There is no other person on this planet exactly like you! And, at the very same time, you are just like every other soul in this big and beautiful world.  

When I was 32 years old I was introduced to yoga's deeper spiritual principles which literally changed the course of every area of my life and continues to do so. More on that another time! 

What's important to know right now in terms of today's happiness booster and anxiety buster is that within yoga's rich philosophy is an idea that at our core we are all essentially one. We are all one spoonful of a huge ocean. And no matter where that spoonful of ocean water goes, it will never not be ocean water. Interestingly, science demonstrates our oneness too, through such areas as quantum physics.

So the idea is to practice seeing oneness FIRST because when we see oneness we begin to see ourselves in every other person around us and then we can more easily extend and practice life-affirming virtues such as compassion, empathy, and kindness. Doing so not only sends positive ripples out into the world to deeply benefit other people but also profoundly enhances our own lives. 

Then, SECOND, we celebrate our differences and the diversity those differences bring to our lives and the world around us. We are not designed to be the same, otherwise, we would be. But when we can celebrate oneness first, it makes it safer for us to all be who we are, and who we choose to become. 

When I was in my positive psychology program one of the first bits of research we were introduced to was around positive character traits. There are 24 traits in total and although we all have the potential for every single one of them, we naturally embody about 5 of them as our individual character. These are what make you uniquely you! 

Most people, when asked to choose between focusing on their strengths or focusing on their weaknesses, pick the latter. However, studies in individuals clearly demonstrate that focusing on strengths does not only make people happier, it makes them more successful. 

So science, yoga, and spiritual traditions agree, you are part of something bigger and you are uniquely YOU. And that is something to celebrate. 

Day Three, Happiness Booster

Discover Your Unique Character Strengths 

Grab your favorite beverage and Take 8 minutes to watch this short video "the science of character" because it's awesome, and it will open your mind and warm your heart. Plus you'll learn a bit more about this amazing idea and research I learned so much about in my positive psychology program!  This video makes it super fun and easy to absorb and put into practice.

Then, after you watch the video, go to my (our) private Facebook Group (you'll just need to request access) and share one strength you love about yourself and one takeaway from the video, or day three's teachings. I'll be in there commenting and sharing too! This group is also where I go LIVE every day during these TEN DAYS of JOY to share more on each teaching and practice.

I can't wait to read your comments! Let's celebrate our diversity and our connection. 

Day Three, Anxiety Buster

Do One Thing You Don't Want to Do

Procrastination is just another form of fear and perfectionism. We put things off because we are afraid we'll get it wrong, look silly, it's too hard, will take too much time or energy, and so on.

Then that thing (or things) we put off cause us to worry, stress, or think negatively and that creates more anxiety and self-doubt. 

So today, just do it! Do one thing you've been putting off. Do the thing on your to-do list that you least want to do, first. Get it done and your mind and body will thank you.

This might be returning a phone call or a text. It might be moving your body or meditating. Maybe it's saying no to someone or setting a boundary. Whatever it is, big or small, just do it.

You'll develop so much more confidence, self-respect, and self-love when you do the things that scare you because you're busting through old patterns and habits that simply don't serve you anymore. 

Guilt, shame, and self-loathing don't have any room in our healing process. Facing ourselves and loving ourselves through it, heals. 

*** This blog post is part of a 10-DAY SERIES, Titled "10 DAYS OF JOY"

If you are not already currently subscribed to The JOY BLOG, and you do want to have all 10 days delivered to your inbox, plus join my private Facebook group where I'll be going LIVE each day to share more about the daily booster and buster, and receive a special invitation to a LIVE fireside chat with Joy on Tuesday, December 29th, Click HERE to register. It's all totally free.

P.S. Let's spread the joy, together. Please SHARE this post with any of the women (or men) in your life!