This might seem like a cliché question, but what if it was?
This is the beauty of travelling and moving; it forces you to think—more often than not—about how you want to spend your time because you directly experience the transient nature of life and time, which is slightly different from knowing it intellectually.
It’s my last week in Bhagsu before I return to London, so when I took a moment to think about how I want to spend it, many things came off my list, particularly the “should do’s” and I made time for more things that bring me joy.
Why does it take until the “end” to prioritise joy? Isn’t Joy a basic human need, as much as eating and sleeping? I suppose it’s not something that gets put in that category in the way we’re educated, the narrative is typically that joy is a reward for when you have done everything else, much like fulfilling your passion is reserved for after retirement. I think it’s time to question that narrative.
I’m not saying we should live each day as if it’s our last—that may be too extreme. But isn’t waiting until the weekend, 25 days of paid holiday, or retirement also extreme at the other end of the spectrum? Perhaps spending a part of each day as if it’s your last is more palatable and what I find is that it makes all the “should do’s” easier because you can do them from a place of fullness rather than of fear “not making the most of..”
So, what small change could you make in your daily life to incorporate more joy? Remember, joy isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.
Joy doesn’t just enhance our well-being; it radiates outwards, positively affecting those around us so when you do something for yourself, you do it for others.
Love & Joy