A Balanced Foundation = Being in Joy

Last weekend (March 19, 2016), I was invited to a workshop entitled “Being in Joy”.

I had no expectations going in, other than I am open to receive.

The facilitator for the workshop was Justin Darling.  You can view his Linked In profile here – https://ca.linkedin.com/in/justin-darling-284b01b6

Justin is the epitome of not only ‘talking the talk’ he actually does this daily and ‘walks the walk’. He practices what he preaches and lives in complete joy.

The information he shared was certainly now new, however, a nice reminder and renewal of how I do love to live a simple life full of joy.  Why do so many struggle with this?

Justin eluded that we must create an environment of connection and recognition as they balance each other and we crave and need both in our daily lives.

It is up to each of us to bring joy into our life in order to be in joy.  How do you do this?  Take personal responsibility.

I’ve also loved the next question. I have heard it in many seminars, the aha moment is none of us have to think about the answer….

If time and money were not an issue, what would you do?

Questions to ruminate on:

What is your connection?

What is your contribution?

What helps you to grow?

Justin loves to intertwine neuroscience into his workshops as we truly are the product of our cognitive programming.  The good news is that we can reprogram ourselves any time.

Endorphins (endogenous morphine), Dopamine (regulates movement and emotion) (1), Serotonin (mood enhancer) (2), Oxytocin (3) and my personal favorite Cortisol (stress hormone) (4). This is not a neuroscience lesson, just a reminder that you have control over all of these wonderful hormones!

(1) This is why I love to exercise as it increases Dopamine!

(2) Healthy diet and exercise boosts Serotonin!

(3) Hug someone today and increase your Oxytocin!

(4) Cortisol – you are the driver of this! Balance is key here!

So, the next time you set SMART goals, Justin has some great advice.  Set BHAG!

B – Big

H – Hairy

A – Audacious

G – Goal

Justin ‘threaded’ a great quote throughout his workshop.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”. – Justin Darling