Living in Your Joy Even When Bad Things Happen

Life is an unpredictable journey filled with both highs and lows. For many, the challenges and adversities they face can overshadow moments of happiness, making it difficult to live in joy. This is especially true for those who have experienced significant trauma and hardship. However, learning to find and embrace joy, even in the midst of difficulties, is not only possible but essential for a fulfilling life.

Trauma, whether it stems from a single event or a prolonged series of negative experiences, can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional well-being. The scars of trauma often manifest as anxiety, depression, and a general sense of hopelessness. This emotional weight can make it challenging to experience joy or even believe that joy is possible.

Those who have endured trauma may find themselves stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. These thoughts can become so ingrained that they shape a person's worldview, making it difficult to see beyond the pain. However, it’s important to recognize that this cycle can be broken.

How Can You Reverse Negative Thoughts and Embracing Joy?

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step to overcoming negative thoughts is to acknowledge and accept them. Denying or suppressing your feelings only gives them more power. By facing your emotions head-on, you begin the process of healing. How do you feel? Are your feelings valid? They absolutely are. And, your feelings matter.

2. Seek Professional Help: Life Coaching can be an invaluable tool for those dealing with trauma. A trained life coach can help you understand and process your experiences, and provide strategies for managing negative thoughts and emotions. Yes, we all experience trauma in life, but yours is not shadowed by anyone else’s. Your trauma and experiences matter because those experiences impact your feelings. And, I’ll say it again,… your feelings matter.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing the power of negative thoughts about the past or future. Meditation can also promote a sense of calm and well-being, making it easier to experience joy. New to meditating? Or don’t know how? You can begin by taking a walk and simply observing your environment. Or create a safe and comfortable space in your home and put on a song to relax into. Don’t make it too complicated, just designate time when you’re going to practice being right here, right now.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: The people you spend time with can greatly impact your mood and outlook on life. Surround yourself with supportive, positive individuals who encourage and uplift you. It’s a great time to think about how being with others makes you feel. If someone doesn’t make you feel great, pay attention to your feelings. Remember, your feelings matter.

5. Engage in Activities That Bring You Joy: What do you enjoy? What makes you feel good? Make time for hobbies and activities that make you happy. Whether it’s painting, hiking, reading, or dancing, engaging in activities you love can provide a much-needed escape from negative thoughts.

6. Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the positives in your life, no matter how small, can shift your mindset from one of negativity to one of appreciation. Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple yet effective way to cultivate a grateful heart. Take time each morning or night to list three things you are thankful for and watch your gratitude increase.

7. Set Realistic Goals: Setting and achieving small, realistic goals can help build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, can foster feelings of joy and positivity. If you’re working with a coach, they can and will help you set and achieve these goals, but if you’re going at it alone, setting monthly or weekly intentions then making some time before or after your meditation for reflection will help you say the course.

Living in joy doesn’t mean ignoring or denying the bad things that happen. It means choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life and finding happiness despite the challenges you face. It’s about cultivating a mindset that prioritizes joy and well-being over negativity and despair. And, I have had to even do this for myself,… it’s a continuous process, so even if you feel you don’t have it figured all out,… guess what? We are all just figuring out this whole life thing,… but thankfully together. I’m happy you’re here! So, continuously remind yourself of the things that bring you happiness. And, not only checking in with your feelings, but knowing again,… your feelings matter. Go too many days without feeling joy? It’s time to create some happiness doing things that make you feel good.

Joy is not a constant state but rather a series of moments that we can choose to create and savor. Finding joy in the midst of adversity is a powerful act of resilience. And, it’s right here waiting for you to create, receive and accept it.

By acknowledging your feelings, seeking help, practicing mindfulness, surrounding yourself with positivity, engaging in joyful activities, practicing gratitude, and setting realistic goals, you can transform your mindset and live a life filled with joy.

I am thankful you are embracing your journey (Yes! You are, even by reading this blog), and allow yourself to bask in the joy that life has to offer.

You are worthy, worthy of feeling good, worthy of addressing your pain & worthy of feeling joy each and every day.

If you ever need support, I’m just a click a way.
Message me.