When was the last time you felt pure, unfiltered joy?
If it’s been a while or if you can’t remember, it might be time to reassess what truly brings you fulfillment and joy.
In my last article, we explored how to uncover joy daily without altering your routine. But, what if your routine isn’t aligned with your sources of joy? Finding happiness in small, everyday moments is important to your well-being, yet you could still experience an emptiness, a sense that something is missing. There may be a subtle tug, a longing for something greater, and a yearning for a source of joy that has yet to be revealed.
If so, a deeper exploration may be necessary to discover your passions and desires. The joy you seek is out there, waiting to be found. However, it may require a shift in perspective or even a complete transformation of your current lifestyle.
The following 5 steps are designed to help you reconnect with your true passions and uncover that greater source of joy that has been eluding you. Whether you’re looking to reignite an old flame or discover something entirely new, these steps will set you on the path to a more joyful and fulfilling life.
5 Steps For Aligning With Your Sources Of Joy
#1. Reflect on your past
Your past experiences hold clues about what truly brings you happiness. This first step is about reconnecting with those moments of genuine joy and passion that may have been forgotten or set aside.
Start by reflecting on the activities and experiences that brought you the most joy throughout your life. Think back to your childhood, when life was simpler and your days were filled with play and exploration. What activities did you gravitate towards? What made you feel excited and happy? Childhood is often when our true interests and passions first emerge, unfiltered by societal expectations or pressures. Reflecting on these early joys can offer valuable insights into what might still bring you happiness today.
Consider the arts—did you once lose yourself in painting, music, writing, or another creative pursuit? Creative expression often taps into your innermost feelings and passions, making it a powerful source of joy. Or perhaps sports played a significant role in your life, whether as a participant or a fan. The physical activity, teamwork, and sense of accomplishment that come with sports can be incredibly fulfilling.
Think about the quality time you’ve spent with loved ones. Relationships and shared experiences are often at the core of what provides fulfillment. Whether it was a weekly family dinner, a tradition of weekend hikes, or just quiet moments of connection with a close friend, these times can be a reminder of the joy that can also come from meaningful connections.
Make a list of activities or experiences that you loved. As you reflect, identify common themes or patterns in these joyful experiences. What were the underlying elements that made them so fulfilling? Was it the sense of freedom, the challenge, the creativity, or the connection with others? Understanding these core elements will guide you to rediscover joy in your present life.
Even if your interests have evolved over time, the essence of what brought you joy in the past can still inform and inspire the path forward.
#2. Tune into your intuition
Your intuition is the voice of your soul, guiding you toward what feels right and away from what doesn’t. It’s a powerful tool for aligning with joy, as it helps you make decisions that are in harmony with your true desires and passions. Trusting your intuition requires practice and patience, but the rewards are immense.
Start by spending time in silence or meditation to quiet the noise of the outside world. This allows you to hear the subtle whispers of your intuition more clearly. As you do this, pay attention to your body. You will often react physically to intuitive signals. Notice how you feel when considering different choices—does your body feel relaxed and open, or tense and uneasy?
By following your intuition, you begin to bridge the untapped magical force of your ‘soul-aligned power’. This magical force is an inner guidance system that connects you with the flow of life, where opportunities align effortlessly with your desires.
#3. Re-evaluate your time
Our days are often packed with obligations, routines, and distractions that leave little room for the activities and experiences that truly matter. Re-evaluating your time is about making space for what’s important by setting priorities.
First, identify your core values. When your life aligns with your values, you’ll more likely experience deep satisfaction and joy. Your core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your decisions and actions. They are deeply rooted in your soul and reflect what is most important to you. To align with what brings you joy, it’s essential to identify these values and ensure that your life choices are in harmony with them.
Think about times in your life when you felt the most fulfilled and content. What values were being honored in those moments? Was it creativity, connection, freedom, or growth? Write down the values that resonate most with you. Narrow it down to your top five, and consider how these values show up in your daily life. Do your daily activities and life choices align with these values? If your current lifestyle conflicts with your values, consider making adjustments wherever there’s a disconnect.
Is it time to simplify your life? Are there commitments or activities you’ve outgrown or no longer serve you? Letting go of these can be liberating, and create more space for what truly matters. This might mean saying no to certain social engagements, reducing time spent on screens, or cutting back on non-essential tasks that clutter your schedule.
Setting boundaries is crucial in this step. Protect your time by clearly defining when and how you’ll engage in activities that bring you joy. This could mean blocking off certain hours or identifying areas where you can delegate responsibilities.
Living a joyful life doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention. By setting intentions focused on joy, you can make conscious choices that align with your happiness. Whether it’s planning activities that bring you pleasure or setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, intentionality is key to revealing and sustaining your sources of joy.
By re-evaluating your time, you’re not only freeing up space for joy, you’re aligning your daily life with your deeper values and passions. This sets a strong foundation for the changes you’ll make in the next steps.
#4. Recreate your life
This is where the real transformation begins! Recreating your life means intentionally designing it in a way that aligns with the joy and passion you seek. It’s not about making drastic changes overnight but rather embracing a mindset of growth and openness to change.
In the first 3 steps, you considered what you could alter to create more space for the activities and experiences that bring you joy. You have identified areas in your life that need to be adjusted. What routines, habits, or commitments are ready for a shift in priority?
As you begin to embrace the process of implementing these changes, keep in mind that change can be challenging. It’s normal to encounter obstacles and feel uncertain at times. However, don’t get discouraged. Progress is rarely linear, and setbacks are a natural part of growth. Yet every step, no matter how small, moves you closer to the life you desire. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your journey, and practice self-compassion as you navigate this period of transition.
Recreating your life is not about perfection; it’s about continuous improvement and alignment with your true self. By making these adjustments, you’re setting the stage for a more joyful and fulfilling life.
#5. Reap the rewards
As you uncover your sources of joy, take time to celebrate them. Recognize the effort you’ve put into exploring and reconnecting with your happiness, and give yourself permission to fully embrace these discoveries. Celebrating your joy is a powerful way to reinforce positive behaviors and continue your journey towards a joyful life. One way to celebrate is to create a “Joy Jar” where you write down moments of happiness and discoveries about what brings you joy. Review them regularly to remind yourself of what makes you happy.
This stage is not about reaching a final destination but rather enjoying the ongoing process of living a more joyful and purposeful life. As you settle into your recreated life, you will notice subtle yet powerful transformations. Perhaps you’ll find yourself waking up with more energy and enthusiasm, eager to engage in your day. Maybe your relationships will become more meaningful, as your renewed sense of purpose positively influences those around you. You might even see improvements in your mental and physical health, as joy and fulfillment are known to boost overall well-being.
It’s important to take time to acknowledge these rewards. Reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken and the progress you’ve made and celebrate your successes. Recognize and celebrate the growth, health, and happiness that come from living a life more aligned with your passions and values.
Revealing your source of joy is a personal and ongoing journey. Aligning with what brings you joy is not just about finding happiness—it’s about connecting with the deep, soulful essence of who you are. These 5 steps will help you move into this new era of your life. When you live in alignment with your core values, listen to your intuition, and engage in joyful activities, you begin to tap into the magical force of your ‘soul-aligned power’. This energy guides you toward a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and boundless joy.
Remember, joy is not just something to be experienced occasionally—it’s something to be cultivated and cherished every day. So, take the time to discover what truly makes you happy, and allow your soul to lead the way. Start by taking small steps as you explore and uncover your sources of joy and embrace them fully. The journey may be challenging at times, but the reward is a life that resonates with the deepest parts of your being, where joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a constant, radiant, magical presence.
If you’re a high-achieving woman seeking to experience greater joy and tap into your magical ‘soul-aligned power’, click here to learn more about how I enable this process.
