Tuesday Tip
Today’s Tuesday Tip is something that’s important for anyone, any time of the year, but I find it a key reminder as we start a new year: Find your joy each day!
I know many of us, myself included, have experienced things over the past few years that have been unexpected. They’ve rocked our world, sometimes literally, and they’ve challenged the way we look at things, perhaps even ourselves. And some of these situations may have made us doubt whether things will ever be the same again. And when you live with chronic pain and illness, some of these situations are happening without our own bodies. Such events can make it next to impossible to feel hopeful and joyful about much of anything.
I want to let you in on a little secret you may not realize: Joy isn't dependent on our circumstances! Click To Tweet Instead, it’s found in keeping our focus on Jesus and remembering that He still has a purpose for it, and pain and can’t change that. Joy can also be found in looking for the little bright spots in our day, those ones that never fail to put a smile on our faces. For me, even when I’m struggling, one look at my turtle Speedy makes me smile (and oftentimes shake my head or chuckle). Am I still in pain? Sure, but my focus is elsewhere for a moment. Sometimes, I may only have that moment, and that’s okay. It reminds me that the saying is true that “This, too, shall pass.”
For some reason, most humans find it easy to grab on to the negatives and never let go, which makes it harder to find those joyful moments. I admit I’m guilty of doing this, especially when my pain is increased. However, it doesn’t mean those situations and blessings aren’t there. All it means is that I need to look for them instead of staying in my own head.
Finding the joy in each day is a conscious, daily decision. So be sure you conserve enough spoons (energy) to do at least one enjoyable thing each day. These activities could include:
- listening to music
- watching a favorite show or movie
- chatting with a friend or loved one
- doing something that makes you laugh
- reading
- taking a nap
- taking a walk
Most of those activities use minimal spoons. Are there any activities you can add to that list?
I hope you have a blessed, low-pain day.
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