Countdown to Joy

Do you struggle sometimes? Who doesn't?! Life doesn't always feel smooth and easy. In fact, at times it can seem like you're on a downward spiral.

There are lots of reasons why we get into a slump:

Getting caught up in bad news (CNN=Constantly Negative News)
Focusing on what's "wrong" in our lives
Ignoring our need for self-care
Surrounding ourselves with energy vampires

I'm sure you can add a few of your own. So, what can we do about it? It's really simple, once you get the hang of it ... Count. Your. Blessings.

Even though I "know" what a blessing is, I wanted to look up the definition and I love what I found -- "something that brings well-being". Who wouldn't want some of that?!? I know I do! And, it gets better. Momentum is a beautiful thing. Even though we might be caught up in looking at problems, with a little awareness and effort, we can turn it around and start bathing in gratitude. Whew!

This is what I recommend:

Ignore the news whether it's on television, radio, newspaper, or Facebook. Or, at least, start cutting back.
First thing in the morning, resolve to look for what's good in your life during the day.
Practice taking care of yourself. Schedule time and appointments that support your well-being and make sure to add pleasure in great dollops. Pleasure is an essential nutrient!
Minimize the time you spend with people who drain you and maximize your time with people who uplift you.
Keep track of your blessings throughout the day either by jotting them down in a small notebook or putting them in your smart phone (you can write them or record them).

This week's Pleasure Peek was a quote from Willie Nelson:

"When I started counting my blessings,

my whole life turned around."

Give it a try and see what happens for you. When we come to realize how much grace is in our lives we feel better, we do better, and we start to anticipate divine intervention. Close the door on fear and negativity and fling open the windows of joyful expectation.