Live Metanoia

There’s a lot of nonsense in this world. People who are grown adults and have raised, or are raising children, can act like children their selves. Maturity is not gained through age sometimes, but with life experience. I struggle a lot with how adults who are supposed to have critical thinking skills and the capability of cognitive thought treat or act towards others. 

Something that has been on my mind a lot lately, and starting to settle within my heart, is the phrase “choose joy”. To take whatever situation you are in whether it be sad, angry, or frustrating and choose to change your mind set for the better and ‘choose joy’ is probably one of the most challenging tasks we have today. Because no matter where we look, there is always a ‘sky is falling’ article, post, persona yelling to you that the world is horrible and we are all suffering, or there is someone who has treated you like trash, acting harshly or just hateful and judgmental. However, taking these situations and turning them around, or even refusing the see the negative the world and choosing a positive outlook, not only affects your life for the better, but it can affect others around you as well.

I have often wondered how one chooses joy. In my line of work, I am usually thrusted into negative situations where others are at their worsts. It jades you quickly. So how does one, when surrounded by negatively, choose joy? Well allow me to attempt to give some examples -that have helped me and can help you choose joy!

As weird as it may seem, getting enough sleep actually helps you choose joy. I know, sleep? Really? But yes, waking up well rested and not exhausted will help you have a clear mind and patience throughout the day. You won’t be tired and cranky and more likely to be negative when you have had enough sleep. You will be able to make better decisions, and when faced with a situation where you could easily give in to negative emotions, having the energy to choose a different outcome with have a positive result in your day. Now to get enough sleep, one must have an actual sleep schedule. You may be an adult who can do what you want, but scrolling through Facebook at 2 AM with affect how you function later in the day. Starting a sleep habit, like putting down your phone an hour before bed time and doing a ‘night routine’ will help your mind prepare for sleep. Also, not fighting yourself when you are tired and actually going to bed trains your mind to sleep when your body tells you you’re tired. 

After getting enough sleep, another helpful habit to try and help you have a better mindset to choose joy? A morning routine. Having a morning routine is essential. No one likes running around like a chicken with their head cut off during the morning before work. Weather it’s getting the kids ready, or last minute packing your lunch, or attempting to get that thirty-minute cardio session in, creating a morning routine and sticking to it will help you start the day off on the right foot. I’ll be honest with you, I currently am NOT on a morning routine, and holy cow my mornings can be a hot mess. I have been on one before, and can speak from experience that when I have a routine that I stick to and my mornings start off in line, the rest of my day follows. I feel on point, and ready to take on the day. My day is just… better. No matter what is thrown at me, when I have started my day off right, I feel capable of handling anything. So, write down what you usually do in the mornings, what’s important and necessary to you and start implementing a routine. I guarantee once you’re in it, you won’t regret it! 

Another tool to help you choose joy? Well, this one actually can manifest in different ways, but for me I choose meditation and “Jesus Time”. For others, quiet time or personal time might be what you need. Catching up on scripture or missed church services (I work nights and I’m asleep on Sunday mornings) helps me re-center myself. Prayer and meditation are very important to me. When I pray and meditate routinely, I am calmer and more open to positive emotions. I have clarity, and feel that I am more capable to make better, healthier, and happier decisions. Maybe you don’t pray? Try meditation. Try taking time to sit and relax. Have introspective time with yourself. Try reading a book an hour a day at the end of your day. Try anything that helps you relax, center, and be one with yourself. For me, since I am spiritual, I believe that I can’t choose joy without a Jesus component. Without God’s grace, forgiveness, and gift of his love, I would be lost, angry, and sad. Reminding myself through the bible and church that there is a God that grants us so much, helps me choose joy in a world that can be so cruel.

Well, there you have it. There are three or more tools to help you choose joy. I know these help me at least, when I am actually practicing them. I plan to start my morning and night routines up again to get back on track. I truly believe that when you create these habits, they do help you make better decisions. It’s not easy, but the payoff is worth it. Changing your mindset to a more positive one gives you better outcomes for yourself. It’s healthier for you physically and mentally. In a world where we are surrounded by darkness, attempting over and over again to be a light can help light the way for others. You never know if your positive attitude will help someone one day who feels like they are drowning. So, try. Try and choose joy. What could it hurt to be happy?

My Journey Continues,

Kaycee