What if We Actually Planned Joy? Plus a few other things. ..

The other day I read a line that really stuck out. I cannot even remember where it was from so I cannot give credit where it is actually due. But I’ve been thinking of it ever since.

Plan joy like you plan everything else.

Which, of course, got me to thinking. Yes. We should plan joy like we plan our meals, our workouts, and our work. We should be just as deliberate and intentional with creating time and space for joy as we do all the other things that we are scheduling, marking off the to do list and prioritizing - these things that are far less important to our wellbeing and overall quality of life.

It does take some thought and maybe some planning. Especially now in this crazy “hustle” culture we have allowed ourselves to become chained to. We think we don’t have time to enjoy, or we feel guilty for simply “being” or doing the simple, silly thing that makes no sense to anyone else, or worst of all, we have forgotten what that looks like.

So, what does it look like to plan joy? Let’s not make this harder than it has to be. It can look like whatever you want. But, like anything else, it will not happen if we put it off, let our days and weeks simply pass by and drag us along for the ride and do not actually think about it. Again, it is all about being intentional. Right?

The other day I posted on Instagram that I had a Non-Agenda day. And it was exactly what it sounded like. A day with no agenda. And it brought me so much joy! But, it did not just happen. I actually had to plan to have a day without a plan!

When we plan for joy, it absolutely does not have to be a day. It can be an afternoon, an hour, or even 10 minutes. It’s whatever amount we can set aside to feel. To experience. To know.

If this sounds silly I get it. If you are thinking you don’t know how to do this, I get it. First of all, you have to recognize the difference in happiness and joy. I think of it like this.

Happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes. Things make you happy for a bit and then that feeling will eventually fade.

Having joy is all together different. For me it is an overall feeling of contentment and peace. It is like this undercurrent embedded in you that covers you with the knowledge that things will be okay. That undercurrent (for lack of a better word) is just with you and it is what allows you to smile at the smallest thing, and to feel warm and fuzzy at a sunset or favorite scent from a flower. You know it when it grasps you. And it doesn’t leave. In fact, I might be really unhappy about something . . . my dog left a “present” on the floor, a work issue gets me in a tizzy or I’ve lost my glasses for the umpteenth time. Whatever it is, I can get upset, ruffled or even sad, but that does not disturb my overall contentment, joy, and knowledge that the unpleasantness is temporary, just as the knowlege that the happiness I get from a new pair of shoes is also temporary. The difference matters.

I remember not too long ago talking about this with my boys. They had a friend going through a hard time. I told them that we were not intended to be happy every day, every hour of the day. But, no matter how bad you feel, and how much the day, week or month might stink, it will not last forever. And I know this to be true and it is important that we all remember this.

Now that we have looked at the difference between happiness and joy, I’m wondering how joy makes you feel. I think we all experience it a little differently. But it always feels good and if we want to get anything out of this life, and to have a big, full life, we need it. So, why aren’t we planning for it and putting time in our overrun schedules for it? Life is hard enough. We are all doing a lot every week and every day. We are “eating the frog” and taking care of unpleasant things, we hear unpleasantness all around. Why aren’t we making sure to include times of joy into our schedules? What would happen if we turned of the TV, tuned out what we don’t need and intentionally experienced more?

Here’s another thought. You may be already doing it and not realizing it. One of my rituals is to take a walk with my dog. I admit that sometimes it feels like a chore. But it is something that I do because it is a good thing. It is good for my dog and is good for my health, of course. But, it’s also a great time to be outside, to notice what’s going on around me, what’s going on in my mind, to sort out thoughts, to get inspiration, maybe talk to friends on the walk, it’s just a time for me. I now I will feel better after a walk. Whether it is a long walk or only 10 minutes, it makes me feel more at peace, more settled, it is a transition from the work day to the “home” time. Overall, it adds to my joy.

What can you pencil in your calendar this week?

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MORE SHARES:

I made this earlier Air Fryer Greek Chicken this week and it was SO good! I put the link in Insta stories, but if you missed it here it is. I used the air fryer so it was quick, and it made enough to last. In fact, my air fryer basket is fairly small so I had to cook in two batches. But that was okay, because better for leftovers!

I also shared that I am all about nice cool smoothies these days. If you want a good “go to” smoothie guide check it out here. I’ve been using this guide for recipes or inspiration for other simple creations. I always use a vanilla whey protein powder, but play around with what you like.

Lastly, on the food share. I have had a Major Sweet Tooth all. week. long. None of my little tricks have worked. So, last night I noticed an overabundance of bananas that were going bad, so whipped up a very lazy girl banana pudding from Eating Bird Food. I mean, four ingredients! Bananas, Nilla Wafers, vanilla greek yogurt and coco whip. Here’s the recipe. I’ll show a pic on instagram soon.

Today I shared my latest Walk & Talk. It’s a tad longer than typical but I hope you listen. I’m curious as to what you might be “letting go” or not doing that would typically be healthy.

That’s all for now!

Cheers to a Big week ahead!