So if you’ve taken a look at our logo you’ll see the tag line is: Simple Tips To Enjoy Life. Topics we write about here at Serene Journey are meant to be direct ways or are included as stepping stones to inspire you, our reader, to enjoy life. You may ask well what does organizing a bookshelf have to do with enjoying life? For me, having things decluttered, streamlined, and organized truly does help me enjoy life in a few ways.
Firstly, having things organized is pleasing to the eye and adds a sense of calm when you walk into a room. Secondly, it allows me to spend less time searching and more time doing. Lastly, it has proven considerably cheaper to be organized as bills are usually paid on time now and there are fewer late fees for library books, rented video games or DVDs etc. So in these ways I enjoy life that little bit more.
Last week I wrote about taking time to see the world around you, as it’s truly an amazing place. Taking time to see things as they are – beautiful, awe inspiring, almost magical in a way, has helped me pause and take less for granted than I did before. In this way I enjoy life a little bit more.
Enjoying life and how to get to that point is a very personal thing and it will mean different things to different people. It should come down to doing, thinking and living in away that makes you happy and content. Some ways I enjoy life just that little bit more are:
1. Wake up early. I’ve written about my favorite time of day before but I really do feel this has helped me enjoy my life more. It gets me in the right head space for the day and allows me to have some quiet time to myself before my kids are up.
2. Help others. Helping others in anyway I can makes me feel really good. Whether it’s donating money, baking and decorating a cake, helping a friend move, taking pictures, babysitting etc. it just makes me feel good to know I’ve done something to help someone else. I get enjoyment out of it. I never expect anything in return but rather just do it because it makes me feel good.
3. Be selfish. This completely contradicts with point 2 but I think it’s important as well. Enjoying life comes from participating in and doing things you are passionate about. I love taking time occasionally to be completely self indulgent. From heading out to the shops for an afternoon, lounging in the backyard with a great book, or hiding in the bathroom for 15 minutes, it doesn’t have to be long but it does have to be all about me. And it’s completely guilt free.
4. Acknowledge your accomplishments. At the end of most days I write in a journal (I only get 4 lines so I have to make the most of the little space I have). I usually write down the things I’m most grateful for, things we accomplished that day and milestones the kids achieved. Looking back at past entries is really uplifting as it’s all really positive. There is a lot to be thankful for and I don’t want to overlook any of it.
5. Have fun. Taking yourself too seriously can be boring. Put yourself out there, explore, try new things, have fun. The report is due at the end of the week, you want to have it completed by Wednesday, three days ahead of schedule. Wednesday rolls around and you don’t have it completed. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT IT. Does it really matter? Likely not. A month from now will you remember it? Probably not. Don’t beat yourself up over things that don’t matter and instead focus on finding joy in the little things that do.
The secrets to having a life that I truly enjoy are:
Surrounding myself with people I love (and who love me) in order to share my experiences with.
Discovering my passions and finding ways to incorporate them into my life.
Looking for the good in people and helping others where I can.
Making my life as simple as it can be so I can make time for things that really matter.
Life is fleeting sometimes the days drag but the weeks and months fly by. Are you actively doing things that are pushing you towards truly enjoying your life? If not what’s the hold up? Do you have other secrets to enjoying life? I’d love to hear them!
Photo courtesy of: Todd Baker technowannabe
See also:
Grab the Reigns and Enjoy Your Life
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Comments
Hi Sherri!
Great post and great advice. Life is short and has to be enjoyed. I love how you suggested that people help others and that people should have fun. I could not agree with you more. I think by giving, we help others enjoy life and when we enjoy life by having fun, we are better able to help others. So I guess it is all connected!
Nadia-Happy Lotus’s last blog post..The First Step To Happiness
Nice post!
I really like the idea of “Looking for the good in people and helping others where I can.” I think it makes it makes you feel more connected.
Roger – A Content Life’s last blog post..30 Days of Mindful Eating – Introduction
@ Nadia – I’m glad you liked the post. I get a lot of happiness and contentment out of helping others and with any luck they carry it on by helping someone else (pay it forward). Thanks for your comment!
Hi Roger! it’s tough at time to see the good in some people especially if it’s not immediately obvious or starring you in the face. Sometimes it requires a fair bit of looking but I believe there is good in everyone you just have to look long enough
And certainly helping others makes me feel more connected that’s for sure. Thanks for your comment too!
Hi Sherri,
I think these are all great points!
# 1 – I agree, quiet time in the morning helps to start the day off right. And there’s also something magical about mornings isn’t there?
# 2 is especially important to me nowadays because helping others is my most rewarding routine.
#3 – I read this as “mommy time” because (at least in my family) “mommy” is the only one who forgets the importance of having time for herself. It’s definitely not selfish, Sherri (especially not for stay at home moms).
#4 – I love how you include writing down things that you’re grateful for. It’s a great way to remember that life is a gift.
#5 – You would think we wouldn’t need to be reminded of this, but we do. How funny/scary. Thanks for the reminder.
The only thing I might add to this wonderful list is taking time out to meditate (which you’ve already covered elsewhere).
Thanks, Sherri!
Michael’s last blog post..The Next Big Thing
Great tips!! Life is meant to be enjoyed. Spending time to self nurture is time well spent! I certainly second your suggestion of helping others. Helping others can also be a very healing process for myself.
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Interview On How To Attract Life Balance
Thanks for your comment Michael! You’re right about meditating that is certainly a great way to take time out, re-group and get calm.
It’s tough for me to take time for myself and not feel guilty, as I’m sure every other mother does. I’m working on it but it’s still really tough. My husband is a huge supporter of “mommy time”, as you call it, and has made every Sunday my day. I can do whatever I want and he minds the kids all day. It really is lovely and on those days I don’t feel AS guilty
Hi Sherri,
I found you from Vered’s site and love your blog name so I’m checking it out. Your first tip, wake up early, works wonders for me. I’m most alive in the mornings so starting my day early makes the rest of the day great.
Oh and I’m like you – my mind and heart and spirit just work better when there’s no clutter in my physical environment.
Am subscribed and waiting for your next post already!
Hi Daphne,
Thanks for checking us out. Waking early does set a good tone for the rest of the day doesn’t it? When I sleep in every now and again I feel really out of sync .
I’ve been subscribed to your blog for a while now and I think it’s great! You have a lot of good articles over there!
Thanks for your comment!
Hi Evelyn,
It really is true that before you can take care of others you have to take care of yourself. It takes a bit of time to get your head around but is important to do.
Thanks for your comment!
I love the photo on this post! That’s the weird fountain that has faces projected on it. It’s right next to the Bean in Chicago.
Merry Christmas!