As The Joy Strategist, I’m passionate about helping other people find and bring joy into their lives. I know the difference between living a life that is “fine” and one that is truly joy filled, and its my greatest desire for everyone to realize joy in their lives. Since I love spending time with people who radiate joy, I’ve noticed there is a common theme that runs through their lives… they pro-actively bring joy into the lives of other people. Since we are all connected in one way or another, infusing someone else’s life with joy doesn’t just affect that person, it creates a ripple effect, affecting a continuum of people. Think of it as the six degrees of joy connectedness! If you’ve been wondering lately what you can do to make a difference in the world, being a joy catalyst for someone else might be just the thing you’ve been looking for.
Here’s how to accomplish that goal:
Serve others – It’s been proven that the happiest and most fulfilled people are people who have learned how to serve and be of
service to others. We were truly designed to be in community and nothing will accomplish this more than helping your fellow mankind. Serving others also broadens your horizon to the greater issues going on around you and takes your mind off of yourself. Yes, you may have legitimate problems in your life but serving the proverbial man with no feet will make you think twice about you feeling down because you have no shoes. Our egos are designed to be self-centric and it can become far too easy to get a case of “poor me”. When you are serving and bringing joy to others, you’ll begin to bring more joy into your own life. Studies have shown that people who feel useful and as if they are contributing to the greater societal good, are happier.
Watch your words – Although we love to teach children that “sticks and stone may break my bones but you’ll words will never hurt me”, this unfortunately, just isn’t true. Words can be very hurtful and have a long reaching impact. We know that thoughts become things and although you can’t create someone else’s reality, your words can plant seeds that enable another person to nurture to life what you’ve said. To understand just how powerful someone else’s words are, think of something you heard over and over again in your own childhood and see how that has had a bearing on your life. Words really do matter. To bring joy to others, be very intentional about the words you are using. Be conscious of what you are saying and how you are saying it. Your words can make the difference in someone else’s day and you never know when your words might be a significant pivotal moment in someone’s life. Speak kindly, speak positively and be a “joy bringer” with your words.
Make ‘em laugh – They don’t say laughter is the best medicine for nothing. Scientific studies have proven that laughter lowers stress levels and improves the immune system. It also brings people together. If people frequently tell you that you’re witty or funny, unleash the power! People love to laugh and they love to be around people who make them laugh. If you don’t think you have the comedic gene, that’s okay. Seek out books, movies, video clips and even people you know who are funny and share the wealth. One of the best things about living in the virtual age is that there is no shortage of humorous material if you go looking for it. A quick internet search will get you plenty of material that you can incorporate into your life and the lives of others.
Knowing that you’ve brought joy into other people’s lives is one of the things that will make you feel truly alive and affirm that you are here for a reason. You can’t help but increase your own joy and satisfaction in life when you commit to being “the happy” in the lives of others. There’s a lot of joy out there waiting for you to deliver it so take a deep breath and start your joy journey!
© 2012 by MarBeth Dunn – all rights reserved
