Surrounding Yourself With Joy
Doug and I moved from a split-level condo into a 2nd-floor condo two years ago. I was having trouble navigating the constant steps of living in a split-level condo, not knowing my thyroid was in crisis mode as I had not yet been diagnosed with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. We intended for this condo to be a short-term housing solution until we could build our dream home. While we designed our dream home, inflation increased the cost of building our dream home from $150 a sq ft to $300 a sq ft, making our dream home anywhere from $ 250k to $ 400k MORE than the most expensive home on the street. We were stuck in a condo that would never meet our long-term needs. It was time to re-calculate and re-think what our "forever home" would be.
As luck would have it, a larger, 1st-floor condo with a 2-car garage became available, so we are now getting ready to move there. The condo needs a lot of work, including paint, flooring, and closets. After living in a space that did not make us happy for two years, we are careful about decorating this new living space. Tired of "tolerating" our living arrangements, we put much thought into what brings us "joy."
The environment in which you spend your time significantly affects your mood, productivity, and happiness. By consciously surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy, you create a positive feedback loop that uplifts your daily life. Here are some ways this joyful approach to living can enrich your life:
Sparks Creativity and Inspiration0
When you are surrounded by objects or elements you love, they act as catalysts for creativity. Whether it's artwork that spurs imagination or a collection of books that encourages thinking, these items can inspire new ideas and innovative thinking.
Enhances Daily Routines
Infusing joy into our everyday routines transforms mundane tasks into pleasurable experiences. Having a favorite mug for coffee or a cherished photo on your desk can turn routine into ritual, making every day moments more meaningful.
Boosts Emotional Well-being
Items that have positive emotional significance can serve as anchors for happiness. These could be souvenirs from memorable trips, gifts from loved ones, or anything else with personal value. They remind us of happy times and can lift spirits on more challenging days.
Encourages a Clutter-free Space
You naturally declutter your space when you focus on keeping only what brings you joy. This results in a cleaner, more organized environment that reduces stress and increases focus and clarity. When I inherited my parent's belongings, I found myself keeping many of their things for reasons other than joy. One of those items was a grandfather clock. My mother wanted it, my father bought it for her, and it brought her great joy. The problem was it wasn't bringing me joy! It took up space in my tiny house, but I felt terrible for letting it go because it belonged to my parents. I finally decided that their joy in this clock was not my joy...it was my sad reminder that I lost both of my parents. I put the clock on FB marketplace and a lovely couple bought it...thrilled with their purchase! The clock was once again bringing joy to a happy couple.
Promotes Mindfulness and Appreciation
Being intentional about what you surround yourself with helps cultivate mindfulness. It allows for a moment-to-moment appreciation of the joyful aspects of your surroundings, encouraging a grateful outlook on life.
Strengthens Personal Identity
Your space is a reflection of who you are and what you love. You reaffirm your tastes, interests, and values by surrounding yourself with joy-bringing items. It strengthens your sense of identity and confidence in expressing yourself.
Facilitates Positive Social Interactions
A space filled with joy is often warm and inviting, making it an excellent setting for hosting friends and family. It also serves as a conversation starter, as guests will likely inquire about your space's unique and personally significant items.
Reinforces Positive Habits
Joyful surroundings can motivate you to maintain positive habits. For instance, seeing your yoga mat might remind you how good you feel after practicing, thus encouraging regular exercise.
Increases Energy Levels
Joy has an uplifting effect on our energy levels. Being surrounded by things that make you happy can give you a much-needed boost, especially when you need to tackle demanding tasks or projects.
Shapes a Unique and Happy Living Space
Ultimately, surrounding yourself with joy means creating a living space that is uniquely yours and full of happiness. It's about making home the best place to be, a personal sanctuary where you can recharge, dream, and be at your best.
Joy doesn't have to come from material items alone—it can also be found in the natural light of your space, the colors you paint your walls, or the plants that breathe life into your rooms. Whatever your joy is, surround yourself with it!
I'm looking forward to this move more than you can imagine! Hoping to be in by mid-September. Stay tuned!
