E is for Enjoy {En*Joy}

This post is part of the Sunday Series The ABCs of Getting Well Grounded

E is for Enjoy {En*Joy}

If you read my last post about Perfectionism, you know I’ve been struggling with what E should stand for in this ABCs series.  {And yes, every time I admit this to myself or see it in writing, I do realize just how trivial it sounds.}

This morning, I was looking at my list of MUST DOs for the weekend and a voice in my head kept saying, ‘okay, yes, that should all get done, but don’t forget to enjoy it too.’  Then, my getwellgrounded voice said, ‘ooh, enjoy…that’s it.’ {Yep, there sure are a lot of voices in this head of mine, but it’s a good thing…they’re each looking out for a different piece of me.}

Enjoy.  En-Joy.  I started liking it more and more.  So, of course, ‘researchy me’ wanted to explore.

Enjoy (definition):
from Merriam-Webster

1. to have a good time
2. to have for one’s use, benefit, or lot
3. to take pleasure or satisfaction in

En- (prefix meaning):
modified from englishclub.com

en-	put into	e.g., enmesh
	bring into the condition of	e.g., enlighten
	intensification	e.g., entangle

 

Joy (definition):
from Merriam-Webster

1. the emotion evoked by possessing what one desires, or by well-being, success, or good fortune; the expression or exhibition of such emotion
2. a state of happiness, felicity, bliss
3. a source of cause of delight

Enjoy.  En-Joy.  I love it.  It’s very simple.

Put joy into your life and into your daily activities.

Bring the condition of joy to your life and your daily activities.

Intensify joy in your life and in your daily activities.

***

Here’s how:

Ask yourself, no matter what you’re doing,

‘How could this be more joyful?  How might I en*joy this more?’

And then do that.

***

In case you can’t imagine what this looks like, adding more joy could be as simple as…

* bringing along a mug of your favorite herbal tea to the store/market/bank {joyful errands}

* playing your favorite soft & soothing or loud & energizing music {joyful dishes/chores}

* inviting your friend/partner/children to cook with you {joyful cooking}

* wearing super sexy underwear to enter data, respond to biz emails, etc. {joyful working}

* buying/gathering flowers for your desk or kitchen table {joyful dining, joyful working}

* remembering that moving your body is a gift/pleasure, not an obligation {joyful exercise}

* beginning each meal with a few deep breaths to keep you present {joyful eating}

* wearing silky pajamas and listing your gratitudes before bed {joyful sleeping}

* starting/ending the day with special rituals just for you-5 min works miracles! {joyful being}

…and those are just a few!

en*joy more.