You need More Joy (Here's How To Get It)

One moment of joy can change your day. One day of joy can change your life. And one joyous life can change the world. Unfortunately, joy is not something that’s ready-made. It must come from within. Fortunately, you have a choice to allow joy to flow, once you know how. The knowing part is easy. It’s remembering that you actually have a choice that can be a challenge. But with a bit of practice and mindful awareness, the spirit of joy can become a central part of who you are. And when that happens, your entire life will change for the better. 

This week, make happiness a priority by giving yourself permission to experience the positive side of life. Avoid the tendency to criticize, free yourself of any lingering stress or negativity, and take inventory of your emotions to start creating the joyous life you deserve. Here are five quick tips that you can put into practice right now to see immediate results:

1. Filter your world

This week, avoid the negative voices in your head. Surround yourself with books, people, and information that uplift your spirit.

2. Finish things

Take advantage of the spare time you have between meetings and phone calls to work on and complete the things on your to-do list. Finishing things you’ve been putting off can create a satisfactory sense of joy. Choose production over perfection to boost your momentum.

3. Build confidence

Confidence is like a muscle—you build it through consistent action. The next time you’re afraid of doing something, count down from five and just do it.

4. Health check 

Take time to ensure you’re doing something every day for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Take a walk, read something educational, meditate or spend some quiet time listening to the sounds of nature. Breathe deep and relax. Balance is the key to true happiness. 

5. Practice self-care

The next time your anger gets the best of you, be quick to recognize it, learn from it, and move on. Stop beating yourself up over your mistakes. We all make them. The key is to learn from them and continue to improve. 

Life offers unlimited opportunities to be happy. All it takes is awareness and a willingness to unwrap the gifts that surround us at any given moment. Where will you find your joy?

What are some of the ways you can think of to increase your joy? I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment if you enjoyed this article. If you can think of someone who would benefit from reading this post, please pass it on. 
Until next time...

- G -

"If you're searching for that one person who will change your life, look in the mirror."

-----------------------

If you like this post, please leave a comment and pass it along to others.

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about once per month), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author

Once there, click on "Connect to Introspection!" in the left column.  You'll then be subscribed and will receive a notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my books or appearances.  

If you like this post, please recommend it to others!
-----------------------

333

The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

***********

Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.

"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your 

creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas." 

***********

Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of

 Gals in Blue.

************

Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.

j. jane 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

Overcome the Fear of Failure

What is it that drives you, motivates you, and compels you to do something…to become something greater than who you currently are? Every one of you reading this wants to do something, build something, or experience something more in life. Some of you are already out there doing it. For those who aren’t, what’s holding you back? Chances are, your limitations are defined by an underlying fear of some kind. For most, this fear presents itself as one of the most menacing and intimidating fearful accomplices—the fear of failure.

So there you are, faced with an opportunity to try something new, to seize the moment that will fundamentally change your life as you know it. There is no apparent reason to avoid going “all-in” and fully immerse yourself in the promises that await. Yet, you hesitate, despite everything begging you to take advantage of the opportunity. What’s that about anyway?

 

The fear of failure robs more people from experiencing an elevated lifestyle than most any other form of physiological or psychological obstacle or distraction. Authorities often refer to this as “getting in your own way.” Well, what if there was a method to get out of your own way? Turns out there are actually several things you can do to virtually eliminate this fear. Let’s explore 4 of them.

Your First Time

Think of the first time you accomplished something. It could be anything. It doesn’t really matter if it’s something recent or something from your past. The first time you drove a car to the first day on the job to the first time you attempt most anything, you are unfamiliar with just what it is you’re in for.

 

The lack of familiarity and uncertainty can be a rather fearful experience. When faced with uncertainty, our mind quickly jumps into protection mode and “warns” us of the potential ways we would be better off not following through. “What if you fail?” “What if you get injured?” “What if you lose money or credibility?” These kinds of questions are all indicators of a fundamental fear of failure. However, chances are you did not have that same level of fear and apprehension the second and subsequent times you actually took action, unless you actually did fail miserably at your first attempt. Why? Because you’ve…

Been There, Done That!

Uncertainty affects us more than the fear of failure. That’s right, the fear of failure is actually the result of your unfamiliarity, which is directly associated with inexperience. So, the fundamental solution to a lack of familiarity is to find ways to overcome this aspect of fear. Find a way to expose yourself to the experience of whatever it is you fear. If you want to start a business but are afraid of what it may take, try to find a business you can launch while you’re still able to keep your day job and pay your bills. If you want t learn to swim…you’ve got to get in the water. Just don’t get in over your head (metaphor intended).

 

Once you have “been there, done that,” the task takes on an entirely different perspective as you become familiar with the various ways you can control, operate, or manipulate the situation. The result is typically a set of (familiar) circumstances that gradually begin to empower you as the fear of failure subsides.

Compared to Who?

Have you ever watched from the “sidelines” of life and wondered, “If she can do it, I can certainly do it as well, if not better”? Take a look around and watch those who have succeeded in whatever area you wish to accomplish and ask yourself what it took for them to succeed. Chances are, you’ll eventually see little difference beyond the fact that they were able to succeed despite facing some of the very same fears you now face. The truth is, most of these people have no special advantage outside their ability to face the fear and do it anyway. You can do the same.

How many times have you seen ordinary people do extraordinary things? It actually happens a lot more than we readily care to admit. We pause in awe at their accomplishments while wondering just how they managed to do what they do best. The sad truth in this is, we rarely ever see the hours of preparation, the struggles, and the defeats or setbacks they encounter along the way. These things are what make ordinary people extraordinary. They are typical circumstances in the quest to become someone, to experience more.

Better than the Alternative

I have always had a fondness for the victory I experience after acting in the face of fear and doubt. I particularly enjoy it when I follow-through on something most other people are afraid of doing. But it’s not so much about them as it is me when it comes to overcoming the fear of failure.

“You can have, do, or be anything you want in this life as long as you’re willing to help enough other people get what they want.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Some of my greatest accomplishments have come despite the fear of failure. To mitigate that fear, I do everything I can to consider the choices facing me. I analyze, evaluate, and prepare according to the situation that presents itself. Most of the time I have only the bare minimum of information, but it’s typically enough to provide the gut check I need to act. Then, I act…and adjust as necessary. The strategy has served me well throughout most of my life. Perhaps you can give it try.

 

What if something is (seemingly) so hard, it simply doesn’t feel worth it to pursue? Well, quitting is the easy option, but completely robbing yourself of the chance to try is tragic. The real truth is, we are all going to die one day. Wouldn’t it be better knowing you tried rather than dying with the burden of regret? I know many good person who has expressed the pain of regret on a myriad of missed opportunities along the path of their lives. I don’t plan to be among them when my number comes up. How about you?

Until Next Time...

~ G ~

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."

                                                              ~ Sven Erriksson

Proud to Announce My New Partnership

 

With Writer

 

Elisabeth Auld

Writers write because we are called to do so. We write because we are driven to tell a story, prescribe a theory, formula, or fact. We write what we see, feel, sense, and believe. We do this whether we receive accolades, acknowledgement, or anonymity. We’re seldom long satisfied with the completion of our work as we continue to heed the call of the next thought, idea, or inspiration.

 

I believe we all have a story…each and every one of us. And while some choose to keep that story to themselves, writers are compelled to empty their hearts and minds to eliquate, elaborate, and articulate the messages and narratives that must be written. Such is the case with the writers whom I have had the distinct honor and privilege to get to know on a personal level. One such writer is longtime friend and former Air Force colleague, Elisabeth Auld, who writes a periodical blog entitled...
Gals in Blue.   

 

 

 





 

Elisabeth is a retired US Air Force full-bird Colonel (translation: she was one small step away from the rank of General) whose style of leadership inspired the loyalty of those who followed her and the attention and respect of those who worked alongside her. She is a Naval Warfare College graduate and has garnered several military honors, awards, and decorations. She is the creator and chief contributor to Gals in Blue, a blog principally focused on issues and interests related to a woman’s perspective of serving in the military, although she is known to cover a variety of other topics that catches her interest as well.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to affiliate with Elisabeth and her wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives inside the edition of Gals in Blue. I encourage you to visit her blog and leave a comment or become a follower. I look forward to the new writing connection partnership as we reach an even broader audience together!

***********

Join the TEAM!

 

 

Looking for a proven way to skyrocket your income while gaining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle? If so, then we urge you to take that step today by joining our team.

 

We’re creating a movement of motivated people who are ready to take life to the next level and to Experience More…

 

Kyäni’s strategy is to attract the very best business partners. Our business partners have created an outstanding series of revenue streams that provide flexibility in how they build their Kyäni business. Distributors can build income quickly with cash flow growing in size and stability.

 

The Kyäni philosophy is to build a strong business once, enabling you to enjoy the benefits of business ownership for a lifetime.

 

Enjoy the freedom of working your own hours and spending time on the things that really matter – family, friends, and good health. With Kyäni’s unmatched Dream Car Program, exotic retreats, and unmatched lucrative compensation, Kyäni helps you create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of!

 

Begin today and start to Experience More!

More Health...More Wealth...More Life!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Introspection is proud to announce its affiliation with writer Elisabeth Auld

-------------------------------------------------------------
Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

A Spirit of Gratitude

Life is a gift. Are you grateful for it?

A spirit of gratitude opens our eyes to a world of wonder we so often take for granted. It’s not difficult to experience a spirit of gratitude if we’ll just take a few moments to acknowledge the many wonderful things that surround us.
 

We live in a culture that has an obsession with negativity, so it’s easy for us to get caught up in how “bad” things are if we allow ourselves to focus on the things we don’t have or how life is never quite good enough. However, if we pause for just a moment, pay attention and look around, there are so many wonderful things that surround us that we can be grateful for.

 

The truth is it takes much more courage to appreciate what we have—no matter how insignificant or small it may seem—than it does to surrender to the scarcity model and let ourselves off the hook for taking action because something isn’t “enough.”

 

The power of gratitude opens the floodgates of an unlimited flow of happiness and abundance into every aspect of life. It is transformative and enlightening. It connects us with all that is good and rests upon a decision we consciously make to acknowledge goodness and to focus upon the things that connect us to the miracle of life. That decision creates a basis for the state of mind we ultimately create as our center. Think about it—if we choose to focus on what we are grateful for over insufficiency, discord, lack, etc., what state of mind are we choosing?

 

What state of mind are you operating from?

 

Gratitude is a practice, not a concept. And, like any other practice, the more genuine and consistent we are with it, the more valuable and beneficial it is. Therefore, we must take the time to practice it. Don’t be so concerned about understanding it right away. Your understanding will grow—from within—the more you practice it.

 

There’s no “right” way to practice being grateful. Your options are broad and diverse. Whether you choose to keep a journal, use positive affirmations, focus on gratitude in your quiet time of prayer or meditation, simply thank the people around you, or remind yourself to slow down and breathe—taking time to focus on what we’re grateful for is one of the easiest and most effective ways to empower ourselves, open ourselves to awareness, and remember what matters most in life.

 

Most of us, especially those of us on a path of personal growth and discovery, know that gratitude is essential if we are to discover and experience the essence of the ultimate purpose in life—happiness. The more we focus on cultivating a spirit of gratitude, the more we have to feel grateful for. And, while many of us have experienced the effects of this personally, recent scientific studies have concluded that gratitude can have significantly positive effects on our health, our moods, our productivity, and our relationships as well as our well-being and sense of satisfaction with life. It makes sense if you think about it. The more we focus on what we are truly grateful for, the more life will reveal things that connect us to all that is good.

 

When you are in a sincere state of gratitude your energy and attitude is one of acceptance and harmony. You resonate, and as a result, project a much higher energy frequency which is exactly what attracts to you the events, conditions, and circumstances you desire.

Whatever you are feeling, whether it be love, fear, anger, happiness, anger, joy, gratitude, resistance etc., you are, in essence, creating and projecting a magnetic force that attracts and draws to you events, conditions, and circumstances which are in direct correlation to what you are feeling.

 

Fear of something creates a magnetic force that can attract more of what you fear. Expressing Gratitude for any situation projects a magnetic force that draws to you more of what you are expressing gratitude for.

 

In other words enabling and allowing yourself to transition into and remain in a state of gratitude puts you in harmonious alignment with more of what you are grateful while, at the same time, emits and projects a resonance which attracts additional results the same in kind and quality as the deeply felt emotion of gratitude projected.

 

So, take a moment to open your eyes to the miracles that surround you. Pay attention to the subtleties of life that you’ve been taking for granted. Connect your gratitude to an emotion of sincerity, because if the emotion isn’t present, the results won’t be either. Make a commitment to yourself that you will think about the things you are grateful for every day.  I truly believe you will be pleased with the things you discover and the new path your life will take as a result.

 

Please take a moment to watch the short YouTube clip below. I believe it will open your eyes, mind, and soul to the power of gratitude. It spoke to me, and I now offer it in the hope that it will also speak to you…

 

https://youtu.be/gXDMoiEkyuQ

Until next time…

~ G ~

“Begin with gratitude and watch the miracles flow your way.”  ~ Jim Rohn

 

 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

The Seasons of Change...

Every one of us has something in our lives we'd like to change. Sometimes we're ready for change—a change in jobs, a change of scenery, a change in our physical or financial state.

Whatever our desire for change, one thing is almost always certain—change is difficult. Why is that? After all, most changes we desire are typically ones that'll bring about goodness and happiness. Well, for starters, resistance to change allows us to rest in a place we have become comfortably numb. Despite the promise of a brighter outlook, there's a certain amount of solace in sticking with the status quo. Don't fall for it!

If you're ready to affect real change in your life for whatever reason, consider the following keys. They'll help you make the changes you desire and increase your chances for a successful and lasting outcome.

1. Determine why you want to change. The why behind the desire for change is an often overlooked aspect that is hastily considered, if it is considered at all. Most times the reasons for our desire for change is so obvious (to us) that we see little reason to give it much thought. However, if we spend a little time on the why, we begin to realize its inherent power. You see, knowing the why and believing in the why are subtle shifts in thinking that can make a huge difference in determining whether or not we stay on track to seeing our changes take place.

2. Change only one thing at a time. A central focus on one central issue provides clarity and prevents us from becoming overwhelmed. This approach allows us to break things down into smaller, more attainable goals. Reaching these attainable goals empowers us with the fortitude we need to handle increasing roles we'll likely face as we seek greater change.

3. Focus on what you have to gain over what you have to lose. One of the biggest reasons people resist change is based on a fear of loss. We see change as an unknown while we see our current circumstances as the comfortable known aspect of our lives that we have come to accept as a permanent reality and one we fear losing. It doesn't have to be that way. You can lose weight, get into better shape, establish loving and powerful relationships, become more successful, financially independent, or whatever else you desire. You just have to stop viewing your current circumstances as "good enough" to keep you in a state of resistance to change. You must also change the way you see your current circumstances by reframing them from something you have to lose to everything you have to gain by embracing change.

4. Set realistic expectations. Some will say we should eliminate time limits as we seek change. Although there is some truth to that statement as it relates to patience, it can be misleading. Instead, I advocate that we should set realistic expectations. It's true that change is a process and not an event. Therefore, some changes take time to fully materialize. Knowing that, however, should not relieve us of the responsibility to operate with an attitude of expectancy and recognize the seasons of change as we take actions to ignite change. 



"Change is a process and not an event."

In order to live and thrive in this world, we must be receptive to change. Change is going to occur whether we like it or not. If you're seeking change in your life it may require you to shift your thinking, readjust your habits, let go of old hurts, and ignore your circumstances. Only when you're freed from past burdens will you be able to take full advantage of what lies in front of you right now.

In order to effectively embrace change we must not view change as an attack on our current way of thinking, rather a fresh new mindset that prevents us from fighting against ourselves. Unfortunately, our brains are wired to resist change. Knowing that up front arms us with the knowledge and awareness it takes to embrace change instead of avoiding it.

The next time you're faced with a challenge to accept the status quo or to enact change, pause for just a second to allow the surge of the moment to take affect and reveal the magic of your alternatives. This subtle action will yield powerful results and give you the power to embark on a brand new course to bringing about the changes you seek in your life. Take back the power of choice that's yours and watch the changes begin to abound!

Until next time...

-G-

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but by building the new." 
~ Socrates

We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative.

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

For a comprehensive perspective on the diversity of Gary Westfal, please visit his website (www.gwestfal.com).
 
If you'd like to receive a notification anytime Gary publishes a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit his Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator.

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom left of the column. You'll be subscribed and will receive a notification anytime he publishes a new blog or provides updates. Please help Gary by recommending this blog to others and by "liking" his Facebook page. Let's push this deserving author to the top among the greats where he belongs.

Please help the author reach more people. If you enjoyed this article you can help by recommending it on Google by pressing the "g+1" button below...