All these things occur because we change how we experience the moment. We focus on our process rather than the outcome and savor the rewards that sustained our ancestors: sanctuary, authenticity, vibrancy, integrity, intimacy, spirituality and freedom. Throughout the day, we know that we will be in all the levels of stress, some of which are given to extremes of emotions, thoughts and behaviors. We can accept that! We are creating joy in our lives, not happiness but bittersweet, gritting, tender, raucous, peaceful moments of joy. In that brain state, most problems vanish, and those that remain we can handle in a reasonably effective way. How do you start? You begin right where you are, and keep in mind that the goal of the day is to spend more moments in that brain state of joy. You say to yourself often:
I am creating JOY in my life! Then you take a two-minute vacation once each hour. In those two moments you relax and emotionally connect with yourself. You feel your joy.
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