Welcome. Late November, shorter days and colder weather. The holiday season is upon us. Spreading lots of Joy to you and others!
True joy is constant. The true definition of joy goes beyond the limited explanation presented in a dictionary — “a feeling a great pleasure and happiness.” True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into.
When we discover joy and can tap into it, we have discovered the bottomless well or reservoir of Joy that we can spread to others.
Joy is infectious. The more you have it the more it will appear in your life.
Joy is within us all, not something you have to wait for, it is something you tap into. A deliberate action of getting that magic spell of continuous joy. It is not conditional, it is always present, yet needs you to reach out to it. Here are some of the ways you can discover and spread joy to you and others.
Begin a new tradition.
It’s time to establish a new holiday custom; Take time this thanksgiving holiday break to:
- Make your own holiday wreath.
- Make a craft, tree ornament or sweater for yourself or a loved one.
- Take a stroll of thanks.
- Buy herb pots to use this season then plant them in your garden.
- Bake healthful treats for those you care about.
Reconnect with old friends and relatives.
Restore lost connections, improve current relationships, and get the opportunity to listen more thoughtfully and discuss what actually is important. Looking for a more meaningful and genuine way to connect with family and friends? Try the Let’s Get Closer game, which fosters connections through participating in intimate talks with friends, family, couples, and even strangers. Zoom has made distances shorter.
Share a fond memory
Share your favorite holiday memories with your partner or close relative or friend. Set up a video conversation or an in-person visit with them to share images, music, and other relevant memories.
Place photos of loved ones or family members who cannot be with you around the house or near the Christmas tree.
Investigate conscientious and sustainable gifting.
It’s time to rethink the importance of gifting and come up with fresh, long-lasting ways to communicate your love and appreciation.
Volunteer your time and abilities.
Perhaps you could spend some time teaching your family and friends how to make the ideal sourdough bread or contributing ideas for a vegetarian Thanksgiving feast. Perhaps you know how to construct a snow globe or a sustainable Christmas tree, ginger bread house, and can do so with your nieces and nephews or friends’ youngsters. Consider how you may be of service to your loved ones and spend quality time with them.
Make your own gifts, offer items you no longer need a second chance, and enjoy the creative process. Create your own Christmas card, candle, soap, jam, or holiday decorations.
Make your own wellness box, an emotional first-aid kit, and fill it with items that have helped you stay grounded and resilient this year, then gift it to someone close.
Plant a tree for someone else or propagate your own plants to give to friends and family.
Scent your home: boil apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cut up orange in a pot with water and let the aroma fill your home
Enhance your home’s ambience with candles, flowers and Christmas carols or soft music.
Offer to decorate the home of an elderly neighbor.
Give out, donate, and assist others.
Donate old books, toys, clothing, and furniture to make someone else happy. If you do a lot of online shopping, give a tiny present to your delivery guy. Order or deliver a holiday meal to someone who lives alone and is unable to see their family.
You can even become a secret Santa to a deserving family who you know cannot afford Christmas gifts. Giving might provide greater satisfaction and happiness than getting.
Be appreciative and express your appreciation.
Send a card, write a heartfelt letter, text, call, say it aloud, or journal about your gratitude.
Remember that endless reservoir of Joy within you, tap into it and share the magic.
Lots of Blessings from my home to yours
Doris Muna
Founder Dorothea Healing and Essences