How to Enjoy Life More
Enjoying life can sometimes seem like an elusive prospect. Everyone has their ups and downs, the state of the world seems chaotic and modern life tends to get overly busy.
So we’re like, “After this tough season, I can slow down and enjoy life” or “If I’ve saved enough money or lost enough weight, I can enjoy life” or “When I retire, I will be able to do that Enjoy life.”
The truth is that we can find ways, big and small, to enjoy life at any time, even in difficult circumstances.
Refrain from making complaints
One way to enjoy life more is to just stop complaining. It’s so easy to complain, either out loud or to ourselves: the service was bad, someone left a mess, that person was rude, that experience was disappointing, that task is tedious. Complaining casts a shadow of negativity that saps the joy of life.
Often the everyday things we complain about can just as well be seen in a positive light. For example, if we resent our routine chores, we might recognize how blessed we are to wash dishes, clean clothes, have tools to make the job easier, and have families to care for. We could slow down and actually enjoy the process of this work – improving our lives and the lives of those we love, one simple step at a time.
Even when our grievances seem entirely justified – we are being abused, we are suffering – we can find the lesson in the experience and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. We can see unsavory behavior in others and wonder if we ever act that way. We can pick ourselves up again after a fall or failure and move forward with greater strength. Mastering the challenges of life better than before makes life pleasant.
seek rest
Relentless input from media and technology can make enjoying life difficult. Spend some time each day apart from the constant rush and let your mind find calm, stillness and peace. You may find great joy in a flash of inspiration, in a fond memory you remember, or simply in the ability to absorb the present moment and allow your mind and body to relax.
enjoy beauty
When life is so hectic that we can’t stop smelling the roses, we leave the pleasure on the table. Let the nature, the arts, the music and the stories work their magic on you. Learn about the story, travel away from your little patch of earth, bake and share a delicious treat, plant a garden and light a candle. Life is full of simple pleasures, but you have to allow for the buffer time between commitments and worries in order to experience them.
dispel fear
Fear seems to be everywhere at the moment. Recognize how fear drives you and consider whether that fear is a help or a hindrance. We cannot enjoy life if we are afraid that the sky could fall at any moment.
Take responsibility for carefully managing what is in your control and letting go of the rest. One of the greatest things you can possibly do is make the lives of those around you a refreshing, light-hearted, and optimistic influence.
Play again
do you remember playing You probably did this all the time as a kid. What would you play with now if you could? Would you go outside and kick a ball, swing on a swing in a park, paint a picture, or start a collection? Reviving a sense of play can reinvigorate your creativity and certainly bring more joy to life. Think gaming is just for kids? Try it.
deepen connections
Technology has done a pretty good job of promoting separation between people even before the events of the last few years. Is there a way to revitalize or better nurture the relationships in your life? Reach out to relatives and friends you haven’t had contact with in a while. Visit your loved ones face to face and let the breeze wash over you. Send someone far away a surprise in the mail just to ease their loneliness.
As a society, we have underestimated the value of our relationships. Be on the trend and collect.
improve yourself
We are all in the works. Each of us, if brave enough to look, can easily see the myriad ways we can improve. Strive to make small improvements in yourself every day. You will be amazed at how comfortable it is.
Improve your habits, your attitude, your diet, your space, your looks and your skills – whatever you want to improve – and just try to improve a little bit in that area every day and see where you go this strategy leads.
Embrace gratitude
Life really is a miracle when you think about it. Take the time to write down the big and small things you are grateful for. A daily gratitude practice will remind you how glorious, pleasant, and truly amazing life really is. Don’t miss being able to see this.