How to Live in Joy

Day 29: How Living in Gratitude for Everything Brings Joy!

As I near the end of my 30 day series on living in joy, I want to share a big lesson that I learned today. This series has brought so much joy and I am so very grateful for everyone who has taken the time to read and comment on these stories of joy. Thank you!

For a few days I have been working very hard on a project. Today I was expecting a certain result for that project. I had set a goal, I had done the work, I had put myself out there. However, the result was not as I had expected. The number was not as I had hoped. For a little while I was disappointed this morning. For a little while I let myself sit in the disappointment.

Then, I decided to bring the joy back in. I realized that in a way, I was wanting this week to be light. My inner being wanted a bit of a break. I realized my intention on the surface was one thing, and my intention on a deeper level was another.

Next week I will be taking a break for 10–14 days. This week is my week before my staycation. I realize that just like anyone right before a vacation, it is so freeing and lovely to have a light week of work. For this reason I am extremely grateful for the light workload this week. I have a lovely small group to help this week and I have a few loose ends to tie up before my break. This is ideal. This is how it is meant to be. Thank you.

I believe that the universe always gives you exactly what you need. What you need may not look like what you want right away. It may look different to you at first. However, if you look closely you can see the sparkle of joy beneath the surface. You can see the flecks of truth floating up that bring happiness. You can see that what’s best for you is what you are given.

I believe this intention is so very powerful:

Thank you universe for what you have given me today. It was the truest of my intentions. It is what is meant to be. It is what I can handle right now. I see the beauty in the gift of today. I see the purpose for which I was given this truth.

Being thankful for what we are given each day brings us into the present moment. From that moment we can create from the heart. From that moment we can truly live to our highest potential. Giving thanks to life for these very moments we have right now, in this exact space, in this present reality brings pure joy and sets an intention of abundance for all of our days.

How are you grateful today? How have you turned disappointment into gratitude? I would love to know your stories in the comments!

Trista Signe Ainsworth is a professional organizer with Joyful Minimalism. She helps working women clear the clutter, overwhelm and shame from their homes and lives so that they can truly live in joy.

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