How do I start finding joy?

How do I start finding joy?
I walked into the kitchen and saw the sink full of dirty dishes.  Immediately, I started the "why me?" thinking and the negative thoughts started to take over my emotions.  I started to feel really down, like a steam roller had rolled right over me and squeezed the joy out.  

Like many of you, we let what we observe, dictate how we feel.  Whether it be chores that have to be done, mucking stalls, cleaning, feeding, cooking, laundry, changing oil in the truck, etc.

I believe we are in control of how we feel, maybe not what we have to do, but how we feel about doing it.  There, I said it, we are in control.

That belief gives us power!

Here are three ways to let this work for you to fill you with joy, even doing chores.

1. When doing chores, reframe them into something that fills you with joy.  Take the dirty sink of dishes.  Changing thoughts to wow, that was an amazing meal and tasted so good.  Just that small change starts the process to feeling better.  What if we expand on it.  There was so much love put into making that meal and we are blessed to have food to fill us up and nourish us.  We laughed and connected while we ate.  Just some samples and it can be done with any chore or task and just takes a little practice.

2. While doing chores, dance, sing, move, put on amazing music, listen to a great book on Audible, etc.  Find something that fills you with joy and do that while you do the chores.  P.S. Singing is supposed to help prevent dementia and is great for the brain, if you are like me, just make sure only the animals can hear you......

3. Find someone to do the chores with you or just to talk and share about what you are doing to enjoy your chores.  A buddy system to joy.  I tried it with the horses, but they just pooped on the freshly cleaned bedding!!!!  I got a really good chuckle out of that one!  Pick someone and cheer each other on!

Here is a free guide that goes along with finding your joy!  GET YOUR JOY TODAY!!!





Removing Roadblocks the easy way

Removing Roadblocks the easy way
Life is often full of roadblocks that can prevent us from achieving our goals, especially after an accident. Whether it's physical, mental, or emotional roadblocks, they can sometimes feel overwhelming and leave us feeling stuck, like we talked about in the last blog. But what if there was an easy way to overcome these obstacles? In this blog, we will explore a lighthearted and creative solution - using cartoons! Get ready to embark on a journey where colorful illustrations help you navigate through life's roadblocks with ease.
 
1. Visualize Your Roadblocks:
 
One of the first steps in overcoming roadblocks is to identify and acknowledge them. Creating a visual representation can help you better understand the hurdles you're facing. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, consider translating your roadblocks into cartoons. By turning these challenges into quirky characters or silly situations, you'll be able to approach them with a fresh perspective.   Think of Wile-E-Coyote and the Roadrunner!  My favorite example.
 
2. Shift Your Perspective:
 
Cartoons often provide us with a unique lens through which we can view the world. They simplify complex situations and offer whimsical interpretations of reality. Use this idea to your advantage by applying it to your roadblocks. By adopting a cartoon-like perspective, you can begin to see challenges as temporary obstacles that can be overcome with creativity and resourcefulness.
 
3. Find Humor in the Situation:
 
Humor has an incredible ability to lighten our burdens and create a sense of joy. When faced with roadblocks, try injecting a healthy dose of humor into the situation. Imagine a witty cartoon character who finds humor in their challenges and uses it as a tool for growth. By embracing laughter, you can shift your mindset from frustration to resilience, making it easier to find solutions and move forward.
 
4. Break Down Your Roadblocks:
 
Complex roadblocks can often seem insurmountable and overwhelming. However, cartoons teach us that breaking down big challenges into smaller, manageable steps is the key to success. Just like a cartoon character navigating their way through a maze, tackle each individual hurdle one at a time. Stay focused on the achievable steps, and before you know it, you'll have conquered the seemingly impossible.
Life's roadblocks can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But by using cartoons as a solution, we can inject some playfulness and creativity that can transform how we perceive and overcome these challenges. Don't be afraid to turn your roadblocks into quirky characters and humorous situations. Remember, just as cartoons teach us, with the right attitude and a touch of creativity, even the toughest roadblocks can be overcome. Happy cartooning and happy roadblock removal in your journey towards success!
Note: The use of cartoons as a solution is meant to inspire creativity and a lighthearted approach to overcoming roadblocks. Always remember to approach real-life obstacles with a balanced mindset and seek appropriate guidance when needed.
If you enjoyed this and want to smash more roadblocks, (especially with your kids), Turn Your Family Around with Laughter, has ideas that will help!

What does it mean when you feel like a kid again? (Part 1 - Mental)

What does it mean when you feel like a kid again? (Part 1 - Mental)
I am going to share the most powerful secret I learned over 30 years ago!

I was sitting there, one cold December morning, sipping my Latte, my fancy journal and my favorite pen, ready to write my New Years Resolution, when all of a sudden, the WAVE of feeling like a failure, washed over me.  I had failed every New Years resolution I had ever set.

It didn't matter what they were, I had failed them all.  Going to the gym 5 times a week, Eating Healthy. Running 5 mornings a week, not one.  I was a failure.  If you have ever failed a new years resolution, you are not alone.

As I sat there, reflecting back on those failures, I began to dig.  What did I want from those resolutions?  The more I contemplated, the start of a tiny light began to glow. They would make me healthy.  Ok, But what did I get from being healthy?  I would be happy, I would be Joyful!!!  

That is when I hit on the secret, it wasn't about the actions, it was about the feeling.  The feeling of joy!  

When was the last time you felt joy, true joy? Take yourself back to the last time you truly felt joy.  For me, it was when I was a kid!

Why did I feel joyful as a kid?  I LAUGHED.  All day.  At everything.  How could I turn that into a resolution?  I needed to set a goal to LAUGH 400 times a day, big enough not to measure, I am an Engineer and like to measure, and also big enough to keep me striving for joy!

As riders, our mental state is so important and the more we can find our joy, the more our horses don't have to carry our mental burden when we are with them.  The more they can enjoy us and not just tune us out.  You know, it might be the same with our family and friends.  Imagine being around someone that is filled with joy, that would feel good!

If you are looking for a little more joy in your life, Click here to get my free guide, 3 STEPS TO ENJOY LIFE MORE!