20 Ideas You Can Do Every Day That Will Help You Practice Joy In Your Own Life.

We’ve talked a lot about joy this week. Today I want to give you twenty ideas you can do every day that will help you practice joy in your own life.

Smile at strangers.
Take a 20 minute walk somewhere new.
When you notice something good around you, say one nice thing about it.
Build fifteen extra minutes into an errand and take that time to find out one new thing about each person you encounter.
Begin a day by going through every event and task and asking yourself how that thing could be great.
Ask God to help you make each event and task in your day great.
Spend some time asking yourself why you do something. Then ask why that matters. If you’re not satisfied with your own answer, consider phasing that thing out of your life.
When something doesn’t go how you would like, don’t complain about it; ask how it could have been better.
Pray that God will give you the grace to make the things you struggled with today better tomorrow.
Say thank you for something every hour.
Take time to hand write a note every day telling someone why you’re grateful for them.
Write a poem, song, or short story about something you hope for and share it with someone else
Imagine what you want your life, family, neighborhood, church, school or workplace to look like in 5 years. Write out a narrative describing that change, that starts out “It’s December 2024 and I’m walking through [The name of the place]…” and describe what that place feels like
Name three things you can do next year that could help make your vision for your life, family, neighborhood, church, school or workplace a reality.
Name one thing you could do this week to help make your vision for your life, family, neighborhood, church, school or workplace a reality.
In 20 minutes list as many good things that God has done for you as you can. Volunteer once a week at a local non-profit (a great one might be Hope Clinic!). Volunteer to serve at your Church on Sunday or if you don’t have a church, visit one. Pray daily for the gift of joy.
Pray that others might have the gift of joy (you’d be surprised how often you get the run-off!)

Questions for Today

What is one thing form the list that you think you could make a regular habit?
Share a specific plan for how you will practice that habit.Hint: Habits are most easily formed when attached to preexisting habits (i.e. you could list 10 things you are thankful for from the previous day while you are brushing you teeth).