Is life a routine to get through daily or do you feel lucky to be alive? So many people seek happiness, yet can’t allow themselves to feel the good in life. Intense feelings of pleasure and spiritual connection aren’t hard to find, but most people do not let themselves truly experience this joy. If you don’t think this applies to you, ask yourself this question.
Have you ever stood over your child or pet and thought, I love you so much more than I thought I could, but in that moment, felt fear of loss? According to Brene Brown, a researcher on vulnerability, we don’t let ourselves experience joy for the fear that things won’t last. Brown says, “We are trying to dress rehearse tragedy so we can beat vulnerability to the punch.”
According to Brown, the secret is to embrace the feelings of joy in these moments, and feel grateful. Gratitude takes practice. Concentrate on and even write down what you are grateful for, and you will recognize it. Soon the little things will bring you joy in ordinary moments.
“You are – your life, and nothing else.” Jean-Paul Sartre