precious memoriesThe Importance of Living Your Joy

What some of are your favorite memories? Did you know that when you create happy memories, you boost your immune system, improve your health, and increase your success? Though success does not always create happiness… happiness most often creates success.

We have had several passing’s in the family. Recently, we visited my new husband’s family in beautiful northern Idaho. The journey was to memorialize his brother-in-law, a man who I had met only a few times. I watched and listened to many family members chatting about their fond memories. Photo albums were shared along with wonderful slide shows that depicted many fulfilling lives. Weeks later, at Curt’s uncle’s memorial service, professional colleagues and students recalled how he touched the lives of so many. I found myself growing closer to the family members as they shared their heart-warming stories.

Eighty-five year old Uncle Don remembered creating a 1/8th scale model of a tractor that is now in a local museum. I could see joy light his eyes as he recalled the details of his prized project. Cousin Rob’s wife Connie recounted the train trip that Rob and my husband Curt took to New York City many years ago. She said it was Rob’s favorite memory. A small-town western man traveling to the “Big City” by train was a very daring and exciting adventure for him. I noticed the tears of joy in her eyes as she recited the treasured story. So many sagas were shared by aunts, cousins, and rowdy old school friends. Though fairly new in Curt’s life, the stories helped me to understand and enjoy my husband in a much deeper, more meaningful way.

As you achieve your goals this year, make a commitment to yourself to share wonderful old memories and create some happy new ones, too. Take a minute to think about the fond memories you have. Notice how just thinking about them changes your energy, lifts your mood, and makes your outlook on life more positive. Research has shown that happier people are healthier, live longer, and experience less stress. In addition, when we are happy, we perform at our best. Scientific studies suggest that those warm, happy feelings have a positive effect on your brain, heart, bodily processes, and even your life span. Technically, when your mind is content, you produce endorphins that make you feel good, and allows your body to respond better to stress. Imagine that you can create a happier life by reflecting on good memories, creating new ones, and practicing mindfulness with gratitude.

Five Ways to Create a Happy Life:

  1. Remember the Joy. Call up or visit an old friend, and share some of those fun-filled stories that bring you joy. Notice how you both feel better, both by being in each other’s company and by sharing moments of joy.
  2. Create New Memories. Think of what gave you joy, even as a child. Make a plan to do something to recreate it. Whether it is doing something creative, going on an adventure, or reading a wonderful book, take action toward doing something you love.
  3. Share the Love. Since love makes you feel happy and well, involve others who might enjoy sharing your journey. Ask about their favorite memories, talk about them, write about them, take photos, and share them… even on Facebook.
  4. Practice Mindfulness. Learn to be in the moment – even while thinking about the old memories, cherish this moment of now. Enjoy the expression on others’ faces, notice the beauty around you and be happy for what is…right now.
  5. Live in Gratitude. Be happy for the memories and be grateful for the lessons. Be grateful for the lives that have touched ours and those we have touched. Cherish what has come before, anticipate what is to come, and enjoy what is happening in the now.

The more happiness we have, the more we have to share. The more we share, the better we feel. The better we feel, the happier we make others feel. Be happy, be grateful, and share a simple smile. It may make a difference in someone’s day. It will definitely make a difference in yours.

Bessings,

Lois 

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”  Mother Teresa