Enjoy Life's Simple Pleasures
CBNMoney.com “…there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.”
—
A few years ago, a week like last week would have left me stressed and exhausted – a speaking engagement in Milwaukee on Monday, a meeting in New York on Wednesday, and now a weekend reunion with my loving, extended family.
Instead, I feel energized, fruitful, and full of joy. I think there are two reasons: 1) By living in the moment and focusing fully on the people and events one day at a time, I was able to enjoy the week without being overwhelmed by it; and 2) I allowed room to enjoy simple pleasures.
When I arrived home from my three-hour train trip on Wednesday, my husband and I walked down to the water to watch the Wednesday night sailboat races, an Annapolis summertime tradition. It was a chance to unwind, chat, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, and run into friends along the city docks. It was a simple pleasure – a reminder of the power of creating intentional balance in your life by taking time to do things that bring you joy.
Creating balance in your life is not a matter of doing more in less time. It is about enjoying your journey and connecting authentically with the people and things that matter to you. When your schedule becomes more full, it is easy to neglect the simple acts of joy and self-care that make you feel connected.
This week, I challenge you to intentionally enjoy some simple pleasures that bring you joy and leave you feeling loved, loving, and connected. You may not be able to drop some of your time-intensive responsibilities right now, but you can approach life with an attitude that refuses to become disconnected from the purpose of it all. Tap into the power of connection – connecting with yourself, others, and God – to create a sense of balance and breathing room in your full life.
King Solomon, considered the richest and wisest man of his time, advised, “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God” (
-13).My challenge to you this week:
Breathe. Then, in an area of your life where you feel particularly busy, find a way to intentionally engage in a simple pleasure that brings you joy.
Journaling assignment:
What simple pleasures bring you the most joy? How could you incorporate these simple pleasures into your life on a consistent basis? What changes or shifts would you need to make in order to ensure they become a part of your lifestyle?
A sought-after life coach and speaker, Valorie Burton seeks to inspire people to live more fulfilling, less stressful lives. She is the author of Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back?, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, and her latest, Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic Confidence.
