Make a Joy List!

Your Challenge: Make a Joy List! But what is a Joy List you may be wondering? It's simple! Think of activities in your life that make your heart and soul happy and joyous!

When was the last time you slowed down enough to stop and think about all of the things that bring you joy? In our microwave society where no one has patience and everyone's always rushing on to the next thing, this question may seem ridiculous to you. I get it... who's got the time, right?

Wrong.

We've been conditioned to believe that being "busy" should be worn like a badge of honor, and that if something doesn't make us money or get us "likes" on social media, then it isn't worth our time. It's rubbish really.

You DO have the time and you SHOULD make the time to create this Joy List. Why?

In focusing on gratitude you will have more things to be grateful for. By shifting your energy and attention to the things you bring you joy, rather than fleeting and temporary feelings of happiness, you can feel uplifted and positive regardless of what is happening around you - or in our case with TSW, what is happening with our skin.

So, I'm challenging you! It's time you make your list of things that bring you joy!

This list of yours is unique to YOU. The things you write on your list don't have to make sense to anyone else.

A few tips before you get started...

Tip #1 - Use Your TSW Journal

Be sure to write your list on the dedicated Joy List page inside your TSW Journal so you can reference it, look back at what you wrote, and make the most of your healing journey with journaling!

Tip #2 - No Writing Things That SHOULD Bring You Joy

Don't overthink this list, but do be thoughtful with it. If you start writing things down that you think should bring you joy, cross them off. This list is only valuable to you if you write down absolutes - things that truly bring you joy.

Also, don't write down things that bring you little happiness, like, taking off your bra at the end of a long day, or, hearing the bell go off of your last class for the day.

Tip #3 - Look at Your List Often

There is something powerful when you put pen to paper. The act of writing down your list will already prove valuable to you, but to get even more out of this exercise, you will need to look at your list often. It is especially helpful when you are feeling down.

Additional Tips:

Think about activities that:

• Take less than 15 minutes

• Take an hour or more

• Are free

• Require money

• Can be done alone

• Can be done with family or friends

• Makes your heart happy

• Nourishes your mind

• Moves your body

• Fills your cup

Additional ideas to include on your joy list:

• Taking a relaxing epsom salt or dead sea salt bath

• Watch the sunrise / sunset

• Walk on the beach with your toes in the sand

• Travel to a foreign country

• Read an inspirational book

• Get a massage

• Run through the grass barefoot

• Cuddle up with your partner to watch a movie

• Star gaze on a clear night

• Go on a hike

• Call someone you love

• Start a hobby

• Have an afternoon dance party in your living room

• Participate in a random act of kindness

• Write a card to someone

• Do a juice cleanse or a detox

• Intentionally focus on your breath for 3 minutes

• Fall in love with a new aroma

How to use your joy list?

Choose something from your list every week, and eventually, everyday, and do that thing! If you put your focus here then you won't have as much time feeling sad or sorry or worried. Instead, you will feel joy which in turn will only help your healing happen faster. Open up and use your TSW Journal daily, but also consider writing out your list on beautiful paper and then hang it in a very visible location (ie your refrigerator or bathroom mirror). Keep adding to your list anytime something new comes to mind that you know brings you joy!

Do you have a joy list?? Do you plan on making one? Let me know in the comments!