Quest for JOY

l o c a l a w a r d w i n n i n g D O W N T O W N P E N S A C O L A

“Gratitude is the key to joy. The first thing in the morning before your feet touch the floor, before you pick up your phone, take 30 seconds to remind yourself of something that you are grateful for. The more you do this, the more joy you will have in your life.” with positive pathways.”

Randall said do not misunderstand –go ahead and experience anger, sadness and grief, “But do not allow yourself to live there indefinitely.”

Catherine P. Jehle is a strong proponent of mindfulness.

“It is the practice of being aware, paying attention, being present,” said Jehle, a Pensacola LCSW mental health counselor in private practice. “When you are more present and aware, mindful of your feelings, this will help you notice joy.”

Releasing judgment is essential.

“It is important to recognize how you feel without any judgment… to understand that you are not your thoughts and feelings,” Jehle added. “They are emotional experiences, and you can release them.”

Randall recommended taking steps.

“Gratitude is the key to joy,” Randall said. “The first thing in the morning before your feet touch the floor, before you pick up your phone, take 30 seconds to remind yourself of something that you are grateful for. The more you do this, the more joy you will have in your life.”

Look at who is in your life, she advised.

“Keep your inner circle very small,” Randall said. “Only allow people in who add value to your life.”

That said, human connection is a necessity for living a joyful life, Randall said.

“Get out and get involved in your community,” she said. “We are wired for human connection. When we feel connected, we feel loved and supported. Having people in our lives that add significant value to us is essential to our overall mental health.”

So, don’t wait for perfection to experience joy. It simply won’t show up.

The state-of-mind experts agreed: joy is a mindset that has nothing to do with status and materialism.