Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. -H. Nouwen

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! First, I want to apologize for being away for so long. Even though writing is my passion, the last few months have been a struggle for me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Despite all of the pain I’ve experienced recently, God saw fit to put an angel into my life to not only encourage me through my painful moments, but also, they suggested that I write about the joy that I am feeling now. For that blessing, I will forever be thankful.

So, today my writing focus is centered around how wonderful it feels to welcome joy back into your life once again. Now, let’s take a moment to define JOY.

JOY (noun): The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

Believe it or not, you can recognize joy by the physical sensations it triggers within your whole body.

Here’s a few examples:

• You may feel excited and warm all over.
• Your breathing becomes faster.
• Your heartbeat increases.
• Your eyes may light up and begin to twinkle.
• You may have an irrepressible smile on your face.

There’s no doubt about it, joy does not just appear in your life. You have to make the decision to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.

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WHAT ARE SIGNS OF JOY?

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. – Helen Kellar

Joy has a way of working its way from the inside out. When our lives are filled with joy, we spread the same positive energy to those people around us. Joy is infectious, transmittable, spreadable, and catching. Simply put, joy is contagious!

Here’s a few signs of joy that you may experience in your life from time to time:

• You express gratitude regularly.
• You choose your authentic self.
• You enjoy simple things in life.
• You are present and live in the moment.
• You create harmonious relationships.
• You keep your inner critic on mute.
• You strive to live your life with integrity.
• You are not afraid of change.
• You make room for what you are passionate about.
• You make opportunities for laughter.
• You set a goal(s) outside of your comfort zone.

Do any of these experiences sound familiar to you? As you continue your journey in life, pay attention to how you feel in various situations. Don’t be afraid to make mental and physical adjustments as you see fit in order to experience joy more frequent.

WHAT IS THE PUREST FORM OF JOY?

Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here. – Unknown Author

The purest form of joy can be found in ordinary moments, and those moments can happen any place where gratitude is alive. When God’s joy fills your mind, body and spirit it bestows on you a beauty that radiates from within. As you spend quality time with God (reading God’s Word, prayer, meditation, spiritual journaling), you will find that God is your sole source of joy. God brings joy into your life by answering your prayers, offering wisdom, His Word, and blessings from on high.

Here’s some ways to find your purest form of joy in life:

• Schedule time daily to read God’s Word, pray and meditate.
• Express yourself daily by writing in your journal.
• Sing fun, upbeat and inspirational songs.
• Recite positive affirmations and inspirational quotes.
• Listen to inspirational podcasts.
• Focus on the positive things in life, not the negative.
• Surround yourself with joyful and God-fearing people.
• Talk about joyful things that you enjoy.
• Find your passion and share it with others.
• Sprinkle joy and positive vibes around like confetti.
• Share your joyful experiences with others throughout life.

Remember, joy is a gift of God and should be your strong foundation so when rough times and unexpected emotions arise in your life, joy will remain constant.

JOYFUL AFFIRMATIONS

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.

Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:

• My life is amazing, and it gets better every day.
• I am joyful every day and create joy for others.
• I know exactly what brings me joy and make sure to keep these things close.
• I have energy and joy bursting inside of me.
• I am always looking at the bright side and can easily find joy in the little things.
• I move forward with joy and grace.
• I deserve joy and I express joy. Then, life returns the favor.
• I am worthy of joy, abundance and love in my life.
• The root of my joy is gratefulness.
• I always surround myself with things that bring me joy.
• My heart is so full of joy that it creates ripples of happiness in the hearts of everyone around me.

ACTION – Write two “I am” statements that make you feel joyful and recite them daily.

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

There is no joy without gratitude. – Brene Brown

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

• Would you choose joy over pain? Why or why not?
• What brings joy into your life?
• What makes your life feel fulfilled?
• What’s one thing you can do right now to be more connected to joy?
• Write about a joyful experience and include all of your senses: touch, sight, sound, taste and smell.
• What are three words or phrases that come to mind when you think of joy? Write about them.
• What in your life has evoked the most joy?
• What is something that you’ve overcome in life?
• Where do you feel out of alignment with the things that bring you peace and joy?

Remember to ponder on God’s Word and His promises of future joy in your life often. Let the hope fill your heart until you receive God’s radiant and everlasting joy. Exceedingly great joy will be yours forever. Why? Because you stepped out in faith to choose joy over pain. May God continue to shine forth like the sun itself within your life. Peace and blessings!

Let’s Talk. Joy creates a positive excitement that uplifts and expands you. How do you plan to bring joy back into your life? Please share your thoughts. I look forward to reading your responses!

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Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

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