7 Ways To Keep Your Joy

1. Love Yourself

This is something that we've all heard at one time or another and most
of us know we are supposed to love ourselves. However, for some, this
may be easier said than done. Many studies show that our
personalities are fully defined by the age of 5. At an early age we
are shaped by the negative or positive messages that we receive from
our teachers, school mates, family members. There's an old adage that
says, "you are your own worst critic". If you find that you are
always being highly critical of yourself and just never feel that you
measure up, you must begin working to truly love yourself. A
suggestion is to write a list of 30 of your good characteristics and
each day for an entire month, when you wake up, say aloud, "I am
grateful that I am a generous person, a good friend to others, a good
dad, a beautiful person, that I have my health, etc." Also remember
how much you are loved by God. You were created in His image. Say to
yourself, "If God can love me, I can love me!"

2. Don't Have Unrealistic Expectations of Others

Realize that there are no perfect people on the planet and if you give
it some thought, you realize that you are not perfect yourself! So
give others in your life a break. Don't set unrealistic expectations
for others to fulfill or you will continually be disappointed. You
shouldn't depend on anyone else for your joy, your strength or to
answer every problem in your life. Begin to draw on that joy, strength
and wisdom from God and from within yourself. You will find that you
are much happier and more fulfilled. It will also help others feel
more at ease around you because they don't feel that you are putting
unfair pressure on them.

3. Live In the Moment

Do you find yourself always looking forward to the next big phase in
your life and not enjoying where you currently are? While goal setting
is important and striving toward reaching them is essential, you must
also enjoy the ride along the way! Find little moments in your life
everyday to celebrate and enjoy. Don't put off your happiness until
that next job comes, the next customer for your business or until
you've moved into your dream home. Don't wait for perfection in your
marriage, your children your friendships. Be determined to seek out
the good and celebrate it as you ENJOY the journey to fulfilling your
dreams.

Stay tuned for steps 4-5 next week and as always, make today the best
day of your life!

Junice LaGreen-Rockman of Murfreesboro, TN writes about spiritual and
motivational issues. Follow her column every Friday in the DNJ and
check out her blog at http://jrockmotivates.blogspot.com/ Email:
jrockmotivates@gmail.com
--
Junice Rockman
Motivational Writer & Speaker
Subscribe to my blog at: http://jrockmotivates.blogspot.com/