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If you’re anything like me, finding joy in January might be a struggle. The holiday cheer is gone, the thermometer has plummeted, and it’s a daily struggle to peel ourselves from the cozy cocoon of blankets. But fear not! Amidst the frosty gloom, JOY can still be found. I am your joy detective, here to uncover the gems that winter has in store for us. Let the January joy hunt begin!
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You must arrange your day so that you experience deep contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God.
– Dallas Willard
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Here are 50 little things that can bring BIG joy:
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- A hot beverage on a cold morning
- The first bite of something delicious
- Relaxing after hard work
- Laughter
- Taking a walk in nature and breathing in the fresh, cold air
- Listening to a great song
- Thinking “I’ve done good work today!”
- Spending time with people you love
- Saving money
- Prayer / Thinking about God
- Singing along to a song you love
- Watching kids play (or playing with them!)
- Petting a dog
- Reflecting on a happy memory
- Completing something I feel good about
- Giving time to something that’s important to you
- Smelling a candle or warm soup
- Watching my team win
- Listening to a funny comedian
- Giving (or receiving) a compliment
- Learning something new
- Watching a sunrise or sunset
- Looking at the moon or stars
- Finding something you needed to buy, on sale
- Selling something
- Social networking
- Playing in the snow
- Soaking in a tub or sauna
- Catching up with an old friend
- A great find at a thrift store
- Getting a card or letter in the mail
- Someone smiling at you
- Driving and getting all the green lights
- Feeling inspired by something you read or hear
- Making a gratitude list
- Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket
- Dressing up and looking good
- Dressing ‘down’ and feeling good
- Making cookies and sharing them
- A simmering pot of homemade soup
- Playing a game with family or friends
- Watching birds eat from a bird feeder
- Putting your cold feet into warm socks or soft slippers
- Crawling into bed after a busy day
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Giving or receiving good news
- Taking a deep breath
- Putting something on your calendar that you are excited about
- Forgiving or being forgiven
- Feeling LOVED
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I hope this list sparked JOY and made you smile.
May 2024 be the year of JOY as you SLOW DOWN and pay attention to the small pleasures of life, and truly savor them.
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Two things I would add to my personal list:
51. New subscribers! Please consider subscribing if you haven’t already.
52. Receiving an email or comment from a reader about how something impacted them.
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What would you add to the JOY list? Please leave a comment by clicking that little box next to the title.