Got Joy? The Drunk Yogi Lifestyle
Got Joy? The Drunk Yogi Lifestyle
by Julie Weinstock
One of my all-time favorite memories dates back to my time in elementary school. I had been out sick from school for a number of days and needed to pick up the homework from a friend’s house. My dad walked me there and I grabbed what I needed. However, on the walk back to my house, it started to rain. I don’t just mean a drizzle though. I’m talking a full-on get drenched to your shoes downpour. And yet, somehow, I didn’t flinch. I didn’t even get upset. I LOVED it. I spun around, I skipped, I even asked my dad to join in. My dad gladly obliged. However, when we returned to my house soaked from head to toe, my mother was significantly less enthused. But I had the time of my life!
I recount all of this to you right now because this story is the best way I can sum up what finding joy is like. Whether you’re the Operations Manager of a business or not, I’m sure you’ve experienced enough in life to know obstacles arise whether you’re ready for ‘em or not. So the question becomes, how are you going to respond? How will you show up for yourself when things get messy? (Or when there’s an unexpected downpour)
As most smiley people like myself will tell you, we’re not always happy. Life happens. However, even on my worst days, even when it seems like nothing can go right, I try to take a step back and just look around. Sometimes the “rain” is pretty bad but no thunderstorm lasts forever. More than that, you may even discover some sort of magic in the storm. Maybe you can grow from it.
Recently, I read a great book called “Happier Now” by Nataly Kogan. (And to be honest, it’s a book that found me-I had been taking out another book from the library when I saw a glossy, bright yellow embodiment of joy hanging on the very same book shelf as my book. It seemed a little too perfect). If I learned anything at all from it, it’s that happiness is a direct result of gratitude. I know, maybe that sounds silly. How could just gratitude make such a huge difference? But if you’re skeptical of the hundreds of psychological studies on gratitude, here’s my suggestion: at the end of the day, every day, write out 10 things that you’re grateful for. (Or even start with 5 things a day and work your way up). Do this for a month. Then, tell me how it can make such a huge difference.
Happiness starts with you ♡
(And if you don’t believe me, just read the book. You won’t regret it)
