** THE TOP 10 WAYS to MAKE ROOM for JOY
in the LIFE YOU'RE ALREADY LIVING **
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Within our everyday lives we can experience JOY on a daily basis. But not
if we strive for joy through the acquisition of material things, fancy titles,
or "free" time. Striving in these ways drives joy away as surely as squeezing
a handful of water leaves us empty-handed. To find more joy in our daily lives
we have to make room for joy!

1. Give yourself a "Placelift."
Let go of things that bind you to them, that conjure up negative experiences,
or that remind you of the ways you aren't. Retain and spread around you a
few things that hold positive memories, are inspiring or restful. Then you
are free to experience the joyous freedom of nourishing memories and pleasing
surroundings.

2. Practice the greatest gift of all - Forgiveness.
By living lives of conscious self-acceptance and learning to forgive ourselves
we become more able to forgive others. By learning to forgive others, we give
ourselves the gift of freedom from the past. Forgiveness loosens the
debilitating constraints of anger, resentment, cynicism and despair and frees
our hearts to swell with joy.

3. Take time to be present.
Sweep away the busyness and mental chatter of lives lived in the possible
future or buried past. When we second-guess what we "should have done"
or anticipate what we are going to do, we become oblivious to the magic in
the moment we are living. By learning to be present in the current moment
we open to the treasures that it offers.

4. Walk with an Appreciative Heart.
We dance with joy when counting our blessings - those that float unnoticed
in our existing lives and those that, cascade in unexpectedly. It's nearly
impossible to be gloomy when acknowledging the gifts that are present in
our lives.

5. Face each day with a CAN DO attitude.
When we let go of self-limiting beliefs, we invite ourselves to learn new
things or tackle seemingly difficult challenges. We then experience the
joyfulness of self-discovery and accomplishment.

6. Probe the paradoxical power of Surrender.
Worry serves as a signal that we must tend to something, but when we
have done all that can be done for the moment, it's time to let go of worry
and surrender to the joyous support of people and possibilities. When
intense emotions call - whether delight or fear, love or grief - surrender
to them AND to the next emotion that calls. Don't hold on!

7. Surprise your life.
Waken your five senses, practice harmless and minor outrages and seek
a larger freedom in your life. In surprises come the joys of feeling truly
alive.

8. Cultivate Beauty.
Create beauty through your everyday activities and celebrate beauty in
your everyday surroundings.

9. Embrace Laughter!
Laughter enhances our physical well-being and our spirit and, as Marilyn
Fergusan notes, "At the height of laughter the universe is flung into a
kaleidoscope of new possibilities."

10. Give yourself simple extravagances and healthy indulgences. Garnish
your life with little pleasures that don't destroy your pocketbook...or
your health.

About the Submitter:
Submitted by Susan L. Colantuono, Author, consultant and Renaissance
mom!, who can be reached at SColantuon@..., or visited on the web
at http://www.roomforjoy.com
Copyright 1997, 98, 99, by Coach U, all rights reserved.


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