How long has it been since you took the time to watch a sunset or enjoy a bird scurrying around for food, or the twinkling stars at night? Are we taking the time each day to discover how beautiful our lives can be? Joy is an Essential Spiritual practice that grows from Faith, Grace, Gratitude, Hope, and Love. I feel like Joy comes in my life as I take time to simply be Alive. Joy is a response to feelings of Happiness, Pleasure, and Awareness of Abundance as well as gratitude. I also feel that we feel true joy as we Serve others.
Of course in this earthly life there are many opposites and in order to truly experience Joy we often have to know of Sorrow or to find Happiness, we have to have experienced Sadness, Smiles and Tears, Pleasure and Pain. The experiences of one intensifies our awareness of the other. Of course we all experience sadness, disappointment, or challenge in life, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. In 2 Nephi 2:27 it says, “Men are, that they might have joy.”
Belief in a Higher being is what brings me Joy. I have complete trust in Him and I find Joy through prayer, which can bring me comfort and peace during times of trial. I believe this earth life is a training period. A time to be tested to prove yourself to God. Of course patience is required and the experiences we encounter in life add to our growth and development, they make us who we are.
I find Joy as I see what other’s have overcome and what they have made of their lives. One such person is Sandi Krakowski. She reaches thousands of people on a daily basis with her beautiful words of encouragement and love. She has overcome a lot of adversity in her life and could have just given up, but she chose to free herself by serving others and inspiring others to greatness. Take time to find mentors or inspiring individuals who have made peace with their challenges and live with Joy amid adversity.
Of course, children teach us how to find Joy. Richard G Scott said this, “They haven’t yet learned to be depressed by concentrating on the things they don’t have. They find joy in what is available to them. ” He also said, “Attempt to be creative for the joy it brings. Select something like music, dance, sculpture, or poetry. Being creative will help you enjoy life. It engenders a spirit of gratitude. It develops latent talent, sharpens your capacity to reason, to act, and to find purpose in life. It dispels loneliness and heartache. It gives a renewal, a spark of enthusiasm, and zest for life.”
Willing service to others is a key to enduring happiness. President Kimball said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.”
Make a list of things you can do for happiness, such as: Singing silly songs, Dancing, Reading a Good Book, Watching a funny movie, serving someone, writing in a gratitude journal, etc.
Essential Oils help to bring me Joy on a daily basis as well. The citrus oils are exceptionally powerful for uplifting mood and lessening sad or anxious feelings. Some of the ones that I love are Elevation, Citrus Bliss, Wild Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Bergamot, Lemon and Lime!! Some ways that I use them include putting them on my wrist like perfume, I add a few drops to water and drink them, I put them on the bottom of my feet, rub them over my heart and diffuse them. 
**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are intended for educational purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and are not a substitute for professional healthcare. All recommendations are based on third party research of essential oils and their effectiveness when used for the above listed ailments. See www.PubMed.com for references to some of those studies. Check out the research and make your own decisions based on complete information.
