Wow, did you see that beautiful butterfly? Was that a dog… in a Santa costume?!
Or when was the last time you laughed out loud or sang along to your favorite song?
Have you crossed anything off your “To Do” List or enjoyed a good meal with a friend?
Can these small moments really make a difference in our mood?
The answer is yes, yes they can!
And as 2021 comes to and end and we are putting away the holiday décor, it might be difficult for some to find their joy.
In this blog I would like to share why I feel joy is important and how you can find it all around you.
Joy is experienced by each of us differently.
For some it is hugging their dog, or talking a walk. Meditation or gardening enables others to find their joy. For me, I find my joy when I notice my environment. I see a beautiful butterfly and in that moment I am relaxed. I feel a sense of calm.
My problems and concerns are still there but they take a backseat to the joy that I am experiencing. In that moment everything is alright in my world.
So WHY is it important to find your joy? When we experience joy we are actually having a change in our neurochemistry. Our brains are secreting hormones that relaxes and enable us to feel pleasure, satisfaction, a sense of happiness, optimism and wellbeing. These hormones are important as they bolster our mood, refill our emotional tanks and remind us that we will be okay. These hormones signal that we can find our emotional wellbeing despite what might be going on in our lives.
Often when we are upset, struggling with an issue, our thoughts are focused on what is
upsetting us. When we find our joy it reminds us that there is more to life than our problems. It does not mean that one’s problems have disappeared. What it can provide is a respite from the emotional pain. A reset and change of perspective.
How do you find joy in your own life?
I believe that it starts with mind and body awareness.
When you are aware of your body, being mindful of how you are feeling both physically and emotionally, you are better able to recognize moment of joy. This includes being aware of your environment and how you are moving around in it. Are you in a rush? Are you breathing? All are all aspects of mindfulness. When you are practicing mindfulness you are open to recognizing moments of joy.
So, as you put away your holiday décor, my hope is that you stop, breathe and take a look
around you. Did you find a surprise candy cane still hanging on the tree? Are you enjoying a playful moment with your kids? Wherever you find yourself, may you notice your JOY.
When Leann is not talking with her clients at Central Counseling Services, you can find her in the garden looking at the butterflies and smiling.
Throughout my 10 years of working in the mental health field, whether it be inpatient care, outpatient mental health, medical setting or authorizing mental health treatment for an insurance company, the goal is the same. Listen. Be present for what is being said with nonjudgment and support. I have worked with children, adolescents and families who have struggled with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, substance abuse, trauma and neglect. I have sat on both sides of the chair and understand what it means to be facing a crisis and how to move
forward and regain your equilibrium. My theoretical foundation lies in strength based therapy. I believe in the transformative power of listening and being present in a safe and nonjudgmental space. When you take that first step and reach out for help you have already started the healing process. Therapy is a safe place where you can unburden yourself, where the therapist is the
keeper of the faith that things will get better even if it feels like things will never change. I help you see the progress made and the inner strength reflected in yourself. You learn the skills to empower you to go forward and face what life may bring. Treatment approaches of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Mood regulation are a few of ways in which I can help to address your issues.
I look forward to working with you as you begin your journey of healing.
