Experts in Joy!

Joy and happiness are natural states of being that we often lose touch with as we grow older.

Past hurts may have caused us to numb our emotions and build walls in an effort to protect ourselves. But we can only feel alive when we are open to experiencing the wonder and beauty that surrounds us.

If you’ve forgotten how to be open, how to play and create happiness from virtually nothing, then it’s time to re-learn so that you can fully experience life. Not sure how? My suggestion is simple: look at children at play.

Last week while sitting in a café, I noticed a little boy of about three.  While his mother was waiting for her order, he started stacking some juice boxes displayed in the large open cooler, which to him probably resembled a huge toy-box. He was sorting the beverages and piling them neatly on top of each other; juice boxes, then chocolate milk containers, and finally the Frappaccinos.

He looked determined as he worked carefully. I watched him, so engaged and focused was he that I couldn’t help but smile and feel a gentle loosening in my chest.

I recall another day in a park. I was enjoying the weather, when I noticed three little girls playing together. One of them stopped suddenly, distracted by what looked like the tiniest of California poppies—about the size of a pencil eraser from where I sat.

She plucked the flower with obvious pleasure and ran to the other two girls to share her bounty. The girls took turns sniffing, holding and enjoying this little poppy for a full twenty minutes. Their wonder seemed contagious.

Can you feel a sense of awe looking at one perfect flower? That wonder and freedom is your heart opening to beauty, love and simplicity.

If you want to be happy and feel more connected to life, find ways of opening your heart to simple pleasures. Remember to notice the little things and infuse each moment with curiosity, passion and love.

Forgotten how? Look at how children move through their days with wonder, finding joy whereever they are. With an open heart, there are always poppies to be picked, juice boxes for the stacking, and happiness there for the taking.

Steven L. Keough

Director SuccessTracs

SuccessTracs is a coaching program that supports your goals in every aspect of life. Working with your own Results Coach will dramatically increase the momentum on your path to success.

To find out more about the SuccessTracs Coaching program:

http://www.successtracs.com/index.html