Joie de vivre

Day 270

“It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”

– Lucille Ball

I often write about doing what you love and following your bliss, but not everyone knows what they want, or is able to recognize what makes them happy – that’s a critical first step. Even if you love what you do, every once in a while, we all need to recharge, reboot, renew and refresh our love for our work to keep the passion alive.

I love what I do, but sometimes I feel the pressure to get a post written, be inspiring and have something new and interesting to say, every day. When that happens, I know it’s time to take a step back and rekindle the joy.

How do you renew your passion for your work?

– Make it fun again.

First and foremost, let the pressures of deadlines, obligations, expectations and worry fall away. Those emotions will only attract more of the same, and that won’t help you get things done, or make you feel good – quite the opposite.

Then, find the fun in your work.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as remembering what you love about it, or why it makes you happy. Think back to the root of your passion from childhood – it can be a great reminder of the basics that got you to where you are today, or try to find something new in the same old. You might rekindle the flame by using a new app or technology that helps to amplify or enhance your craft, trade or skill.

If that doesn’t work, maybe you just need to take a break, and rejuvenate. We often get too busy to allow ourselves to slow down and smell the roses, run through the grass and do the things that we loved so much when we were kids.

After trying these simple exercises, you might find that your work doesn’t make you as happy as it used to, and it’s time for a change. That’s ok. Recognizing what makes you happy, and what doesn’t make you happy will ultimately lead to your joie de vivre.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!