“Maybe there will be better times, but this one is ours.” – Jean-Paul Sartre

Grateful and joyful, I stepped into this year and promised myself to create a DECLARATION OF JOY that will be my support in the year ahead.

Like most people, I reflected on the past year. And as an incurable optimist, I came away with a positive balance.

There were opportunities to rejoice, laugh, share, learn, support, and be supported.

From my perspective, the sources of JOY are many. I do not see joy as a goal.

JOY is my FUEL for a meaningful JOURNEY through life. Equally important is how and how much we spread joy around us. Think about what you have done today to make someone near you feel fulfilled and happy.

I have been reflecting on what brings a smile to my face and a sense of fulfillment, and I would like to share it with you.

• Waking up in the morning and gifting myself a smile—because I woke up, and so did my loved ones.
• Offering kind words and embracing dear people as often and as warmly as possible.
  Sharing a smile with both familiar and unfamiliar faces.
• Taking part in preparing meals together.
• Spending time in nature and enjoying its wonders.
• Listening attentively to those who speak to me and using my communication to bring out the best in them.
• Petting a dog and seeing the joy in its eyes.
• Responding appropriately to a spoken or unspoken call for help.
• Reading a book that opens new perspectives within me.
• Organizing family trips and truly enjoying them.
• Discovering what else I/we can achieve and overcoming the obstacles in the way.
• And being GRATEFUL for everything mentioned above—and for having experienced it.

This is my DECLARATION OF JOY, and I invite you all to create your own and return to it often.

Opportunities for joy are countless—both WITHIN US and AROUND us, believe me!

Take a moment to find a quiet space, reflect on when you truly feel good, and make a list of everything that brings you JOY. This will become your DECLARATION OF JOY—a collection of all those special moments and feelings that light you up.

Then, you can start your JOURNAL OF JOY and document these wonderful experiences. You’ll feel GRATITUDE for so much, discover new IDEAS, and be filled with a deep sense of HAPPINESS. This journal will be your SUPPORT—not just on sunny days, but also when the clouds roll in.

The quality of your life will elevate when you end each day with questions like: “Was I happier today than yesterday?” and “How much joy did I bring to those around me?”

And from there… you’ll know exactly WHAT TO DO NEXT!