The Entrepreneur’s Alphabet of Values: J is for JOY

What comes to mind when you contemplate joy? Do you reflect upon personal moments where you experienced great delight? Do you fantasize about specific milestone events that are still yet to come? Are you reminded of a time when you were stopped in your tracks by a beautiful landscape, when captivated by a work of art, or tickled by a child’s laughter?

Possibly, you think of The Joy of Cooking, Joy to the World, Joyrides, Joysticks, or one of America’s comic treasures – Joy Behar? Or maybe you’ve never contemplated it at all.

Joy is deeper than pleasure… it is a level of effect that manifests itself in a more tangible emotion than happiness. Joy is an energy that transcends the rational mind to kindle the spirit and spark the soul. It simultaneously stimulates while providing a sense of contentment and gratitude in the moment.

Often arising spontaneously; by fostering a positive outlook, expanding our focus to find meaning or delight in things we might otherwise overlook, and setting conscious intentions about what we truly want, we can proactively manifest joy. This short acrostic might help you more readily connect with JOY:

In the profound words of Auntie Mame, “Life is a banquet, and some poor suckers are starving.” To help you gain access to the smorgasbord of delight and satisfaction that surrounds you, answer the four questions and complete the one action item below. Keep it simple, avoid overthinking and just respond with your initial thoughts, feelings, and images; who knows, maybe you will be feasting on joy before the week is out.

1. What delights you?
2. What was a time when you felt joyful, confident and carefree? What were elements of that time and place that encouraged that feeling?
3. What is the relationship between joy and fear, concern and loss?
4. What is some of the external evidence that demonstrates your internal joy?
5. Every day this week, do something that brings you joy.

Speaking of Buffet’s – on Thursday May 2^nd  WORK_SPACE is hosting 2-events that might motivate some joy. Check out our monthly Beer & Business event followed by our first-ever Piano Lounge where you can listen, sing, mingle, and enjoy a mocktail with taco bar buffet catered by Lucky Taco.

Wishing you much joy,