If you’re a woman in midlife, chances are you’ve experienced a few ups and downs. Perhaps you’re feeling like you’re just going through the motions, and the mundane seems to be all you have in front of you.
But what if I told you that finding joy in the ordinary is actually possible?
You don’t need to go on grand adventures or have a dramatic life change to feel content and fulfilled. It’s about finding the beauty in the every day, and taking small moments to appreciate the simple things in life.
So let’s explore some ways to shift your mindset and start infusing more joy into your everyday routine.
The Definition of Joy
Being joyful is one of life’s simplest but most rewarding pleasures. Joy is defined as a feeling of great happiness, satisfaction, and delight. It is often the result of pleasant experiences, accomplishments, or relationships.
But, joy is not just about the good times or external factors, it is a state of mind that can be cultivated from within. Focusing on gratitude, helping others, and finding meaning in your life can all contribute to experiencing more joy.
Cultivating joy is a journey that can start with small steps, like taking a moment to appreciate something beautiful or reflecting on a happy memory. Remember, joy is not a destination, but a way of being that can enrich your life in countless ways.
But, My Life is So Darn Ordinary!
You may feel like your life is ordinary and uneventful. The days, weeks, and months may have a sameness that is predictable and at times, even boring. How can that be joyful and joy-filled?
Maybe you wish you were living a more exciting and adventurous life like you see in movies or on social media. Yes, and we all know how true most of those story lines and feeds are!
It’s also important to remember that constantly seeking excitement can be exhausting and may not necessarily bring you true joy. It’s possible – no, probable – that you can find joy in the ordinary moments of life.
Mindfully appreciating simple moments can help cultivate a sense of gratitude and joy from within, regardless of whether or not your life is full of grand adventures.
If you’ve been wistfully staring out the window and wondering where your life has gone, how to rekindle the excitement, and yes, the joy, keep reading with an open mind and an expectation of change.
See which of these suggestions speak to you. Joy is there for you if you are willing to take an honest look at yourself and your perspective.
Finding Joy in the Ordinary Things of Life
Slow down – pay attention to what is around you
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the beauty in everyday moments. One way to find joy in the ordinary is to slow down and pay attention to what’s around you.
Take a deep breath and notice the smells, sounds, and sights that surround you. Really savor that cup of coffee or tea, and appreciate the warmth it brings to your hands. Observe the colors of the leaves changing in the autumn breeze.
Take a moment to notice the beauty in the everyday, like the morning sunlight streaming through your window or the sound of birds chirping outside. It doesn’t have to be something grand or spectacular; finding joy in the ordinary things can be just as meaningful.
When you pay attention to the present moment, you’ll find that there’s so much to appreciate in life’s simplest pleasures.
Let the past and all its history go
When it comes to finding joy in the ordinary things of life, it’s important to let go of the past and all its history. Dwelling on past experiences or mistakes can weigh you down and prevent you from fully appreciating the present.
It’s natural to have some regrets or nostalgia, but holding on too tightly can rob you of the joy that’s right in front of you.
Instead, focus on what you can do right now to create happy memories and experiences. Give yourself permission to let go of what’s holding you back and move forward with an open mind and heart.
By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to find joy and beauty in even the most simple and ordinary aspects of your life.
Appreciate the moment you’re in now, today
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly looking forward to the next big thing. But what about the present moment?
Today is a gift, and it’s important to appreciate and find joy in the ordinary things that make up our daily lives. Take a few moments to look around you and really see the beauty in the simple things – the sunlight streaming in through the window, the birds chirping outside, the warmth of a cup of coffee in your hands.
By focusing on the present moment and finding joy in the seemingly ordinary moments, you’ll open yourself up to a world of happiness and gratitude. So take a deep breath and appreciate the moment you’re in now, it’s truly something special.
Quit comparing and using up all that good energy
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s true – when we constantly compare ourselves and our lives to others, we rob ourselves of the ability to find joy in the present moment.
Instead of focusing on what you don’t have or what others do have, try turning your attention to the ordinary moments of your life. Take notice of the beauty and goodness in the small things – the warmth of the sun on your skin, the taste of a delicious meal, the sound of laughter with friends.
When you quit comparing, you free up all that good energy to fully embrace the present and find joy in the ordinary things of life.
Add an affirmation/commitment of gratitude to your morning routine
Incorporating an affirmation and/or commitment of gratitude to your morning routine (you do have one, right?) can be a game-changer. By taking a few moments to focus on the good things in your life, you can set the tone for the rest of your day.
Whether it’s saying out loud what you’re grateful for, thanking the Lord while praying, or writing it down in a journal, taking time for yourself and your thoughts can only bring positivity and happiness to your life.
So don’t forget to add this simple, yet powerful tip to your morning routine and take joy in the ordinary things of life.
Is Having an Ordinary Life a Bad Thing?
Sometimes we may feel that our lives are too ordinary or mundane, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
It’s easy to get caught up in the belief that we need to constantly strive for more excitement or adventure in our lives, but finding joy in the ordinary things of life can be just as fulfilling.
Taking pleasure in a good cup of coffee or a quiet walk in the park can bring a great amount of happiness.
It’s important to remember that our everyday routines and moments can be just as meaningful as those big, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
So, embrace the ordinary and find joy in the simplicity of life.
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Hi Candi. These are excellent points that you made, you can find joy in ordinary things, but for me true joy didn’t happen until I sorted out my past. Traveling the world is wonderful, but I wasn’t able to find true joy until I did some self-reflection. Now, I’m able to forgive and move on from my past and truly live a joyful life. I’d like to share this post.
Hi Christina, you make a great point. The past can drag us down in many ways, and certainly taking joy out of our present life is one of them. Thank you for sharing your experience, and for sharing the post. xo