What gives you joy?

Last week was a less than stellar week for me. You know the type of week — a few crummy things happen and it continues to snowball until you are in a total funk.

It doesn’t matter what the circumstances were that led to my funky state. What does matter is that it totally affected my work, my relationships and my overall attitude.

Anyone who knows me can attest that I’m a pretty positive, happy person most of the time. That’s why it was so darn obvious when things were askew.

Then Saturday came along.

That was the day my week turned around because I took time to do some things that really restored my joy.

I went for a 3-mile run with my half marathon training group. I had breakfast with a friend and colleague who energizes me (and we plotted world domination in the process, but that’s another story.)

I went on an awesome date with my husband. And, because we live in Nashville, we were able to attend a fantastic benefit concert featuring some amazing singer/songwriters.

So, what’s the point to all of this?

The point is that sometimes we need to take a break from it all. Sometimes, we need to do some things we really enjoy to put things into perspective.

Running a business is hard work and it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. I would be lying if I said that wasn’t true for me as well. That’s why it’s critically important to carve out some time to take care of ourselves and our spirit.

Earlier this month, I talked about my three guiding principles for the year — one of which is striving to find balance between work, family, friends and all of the other demands on my time. I think a lot of business owners can relate to this.

I certainly haven’t perfected balance, and I probably never will. But, my hope is that by focusing on balance this year, I will get better at it.

You can too.

So, the next time you’ve had a rough day or week, I encourage you to stop. Take a break. Smell the roses. Make time to do the things that give you joy.

I promise you’ll feel happier and more energized as a result.

What do you do when you get in a funk? What are the things that give you joy?

Image credit: Hillary Kladke

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Laura Click

Laura Click

Laura Click is brand strategist, speaker, podcaster and the founder of Blue Kite. Learn more about Laura and her work at Blue Kite.

9 replies on “What gives you joy?”

You mean it’s not all lollipops and puppies?? Radnor Lake is a good local mind clearer for sure. Thanks for the share Laura and glad to hear that Saturday treated you well after a tough week.

Thank you for sharing this today, Laura! It’s so easy to fall into a funk. Then we start to fall into a dark place and everything else suffers. It’s so critical to intentionally “de-funk.” For me, music, books, quiet time, and prayer are my best de-funking tools.

Great post, Laura!

Thanks for stopping by, Kenny! I appreciate it. It’s amazing how much a bad mood can throw everything into a tailspin. That’s why de-funking is so important! I love your list – those are great ways to do it!

Last week seemed to be a downer week for several people I know, me included. I had kind of the same snowball of funk you mentioned.
I ended up getting out of the house and having lunch with several friends over several days. Sometimes I think I get in a funk just from being cooped up at home all the time.

I’m sorry to hear you had a similar week. The weather may definitely have something to do with it. I know I get antsy when I’m cooped up – that’s why Saturday’s run felt so great! Getting out and having lunch is a great idea too! Thanks for stopping by, Erica!

Laura
I feel this is a timely topic, especially since we are stuck right in the middle of a gray Nashville winter. But what’s interesting is that everytime I feel the grasp of the dreary winter blues reaching up to grab me I force myself to become productive. The more I do the farther the blues travel away from me. It’s amazing how accomplishing a few tasks will give you a boost. So, while I am a BIG proponent of stopping to smell the roses, I find that crossing a few items off of the the ole to-do list gives my jolt…both physically and mentally.

Excellent points, Troy! Crossing things off the to-do list is a great mood booster! It definitely helps restore your confidence levels and gives you momentum to get more don. Thanks, Troy!

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