Sunday, March 23, 2014

9 Things That Will Make Your Life More Joyful (especially in your early 20's)


1.  Don't make small things in to big things.  
~Drama, drama, drama--life is full of it.  But, you have a choice. Are you going to choose to let every little thing rule your life? Or are you going to choose to face that drama head on and stop it right then and there?  It is incredibly important in life to not waste precious energy on things that are in the long run--meaningless.  Don't waste your time.  

2.  Focus on giving thanks and being grateful for where you are--right now. 
~ In the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp it says, "In giving thanks for the life she already had, she found the life she'd always wanted." In everything give thanks.  Focus on all of the things that you are thankful and grateful for--the sun, a flower, life.  Give thanks and smile--life is better when you smile.  

3.  Travel.  
~Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery.  Whether you choose to travel an hour away or a continent away--just take a trip.  Go.  Take some time to visit a waterfall, a beach, a city, or a village.  Traveling gives you time to clear your mind.  It gives you the ability to have an adventure--and most of us need adventure.  

4. Love as much as you can.
~Read 1 Corinthians 13.  Seriously.  Love is a gift, and without love we have nothing.  It is the most beautiful ability that God has given us--to love someone as ourselves, to give of ourselves so completely that you would lay down your life for another.  We love, because He first loved us.  

5. Share your heart and life with people--be intentional.  
~This is scary.  To share who you are with another human being.  To give a piece of your heart and life to someone--to trust.  It's hard at first, but it's worth it.  Intentional relationships are a must in life, to grow, to learn, and to impact someone's life in a joyous, healthy, and productive way.   

6. Exercise.
~Create a routine that makes you happy.  Swim, dance, stretch, walk, or use those weird looking machines in the gym.  Just get your body moving.  It doesn't matter how much time you spend working out--or what kind of shape you are in at the moment--you will be happier once you get those endorphins going!  

7. Eat well.
~Enjoy your food! Be healthy. Watch overeating--but enjoy a brownie or cookie occasionally!  If you want something sweet, eat a piece of dark chocolate or enjoy a cup of tea.  It's all about moderation and recognizing how your body is affected by the food you eat.  

8. Rest and Restore.
~Let your body and mind rest.  Sleep, relax, take time away from your phone or your computer.  Most of us give and give until we crash, but here's an idea--stop and rest.  Have a day of Sabbath.  Take time to let your body and mind rejuvenate, because restoration is key to a life that can be lived to the fullest.   

9. Enjoy who you are.  Your personality, your looks, your beauty--you are one of a kind. Don't let yourself conform to this world--you are special.  Truly.  Be your unique, amazing, precious self--and take joy in how cool you really are :)

It's a balance.  Spirit, mind, body.   Life still happens--but what an awesome gift we've been given to enjoy this life!  So many blessings and hardships.  But, here we are--all in it together.  

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