Find Joy and Happiness

by Janice R Newman

There’s a time for everything including work, family, friends, prayer, sleep, etc. Included in those times should include finding joy and happiness in whatever you are doing. There in the midst of life, even a little bit of joy or happiness can be found in every moment. Joy and happiness should not only be for moments of celebration or triumph but for everyday aspects of existence. They are both closely connected with the value of appreciation. When you appreciate the little things, you find joy and happiness in your life. Finding joy and happiness in everything you do is a mindset and skill that can be cultivated and developed with practice.

Here are a few strategies to help you embrace and include joy and happiness in all aspects of life:

• Practice Gratitude: Being thankful is necessary to cultivate joy and happiness even when you don’t see it naturally. You must utilize the habit of gratitude by acknowledging the positive aspects of all experiences. Focus on what you have rather than what you lack. It’s about the small blessings in your daily life to appreciate. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) notes joy as important “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, selfcontrol; against such things there is no law”.

• Find purpose: Discover your purpose and find meaning in your work and relationships. Understand and identify how you contribute to something larger and the well-being of others, the community, or your family and friends. This will instill a sense of fulfillment and joy in your endeavors.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Understand that mistakes can happen to everyone and do. Don’t forget to laugh and find humor in everyday situations. Laughter lightens your mood and infuses joy and happiness into your experiences. www.facebook.com/ywhynotshow/

• Engage in Activities You Love: Make time for something you love to do that brings you joy and happiness. Start a hobby, or garden, or join a social community group for dancing, games, or book discussion. Do something that you find pleasing, relaxing, and can put a smile on your face. Even taking time out to watch your favorite television show with someone can bring joy to your life.

My husband and I find small joys in doing the puzzles together in The Shopper weekly and the NYT puzzles daily. We constantly search for free local activities that we can go out to enjoy such as music in the park or car shows. We attend church locally and pray daily together expressing our appreciate for God in our lives. In our appreciation, we find joy and happiness even if it’s a small amount for all our experiences.

Remember that finding joy and happiness in everything is an ongoing journey, and it’s okay to have challenging days as there will be some. Be patient with yourself while you’re learning how to cultivate joy and happiness. Joy and happiness are good for the soul, body, and mind. Finding a little bit of joy and happiness reduces the possible amount of anger, hostility, disappointment, or sadness you can hold in your life. The good positive feeling you get from them sends a ripple effect outward, enriching the lives of those around us, and you will radiate the light of joy in all aspects of your life. Y? Why Not!

Real Estate Specialists

Real Estate Questions & Answers

CATHY & JIM HIGGINS than the one which makes sense for you both.

Question: I recently retired and my husband will retire in a few years. We currently make more than $4,000 monthly together and already own our 1940 home of 1,600 sq. ft. It’s an old-fashioned home, but in good condition. We have updated much of our home.

My husband wants to sell and buy something larger and I want to remodel rather than have a $150 to $200,000 dollar larger home and high monthly payments again. Within our area the homes are selling at $60 to $90,000 and I believe that we can sell for $89,000. I want to stay and he wants to sell. What do think we should do?

As a start, compare the finances required for both homes -- have a chart showing monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, electric, gas and water. Show your tax write-off with each home as well as your income today and after your husband’s retirement.

Then ask who will clean this new and larger home?

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Answer: You now have a current monthly income -- but what happens after he retires?

Whether to move or not move is a personal decision. There is no “right” answer other

E-mail us your Real Estate questions at Cathyah@aol.com. Thinking of selling your home? Call Cathy & Jim Higgins, Licensed Broker/Realtors in Indiana & Illinois. IN: 219-865-4361 IL: 708-828-3304. McColly Real Estate. Website: www.Cathyhiggins. com. Personal Real Estate Journal: www. Higginshousechat.blogspot.com