Think about the last few thoughts you had. Were they happy joy-filled thoughts? Or were they thoughts about your to-do list, a troubled relationship, the health of a loved one, or your finances?
Have you ever wondered why our thoughts tend to lean towards the negative? It’s a common human experience—we have about 6000 thoughts daily, most of which are negative and repetitive.
But were we born this way? Think about it: babies are often bursting with joy for no reason.
So, where and when did our thoughts start turning south?
I suspect it has much to do with the conditioning we receive from the world around us. From a young age, we're taught that resources are limited, leading us to believe we must constantly hustle and compete. We're encouraged to dream big and pursue material success. The result? We become caught in a cycle of busyness, stress, and an inability to appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life.
We are taught to live in the future.
When was the last time you truly savored a meal without distractions? How often do you find yourself checking your phone during conversations, missing out on genuine connection? In an age of constant and hyper-connectivity, we've inadvertently created an epidemic of loneliness.
For all the problems in our lives, we are all sitting on an abundance of blessings that we can choose to be grateful for. In my book, The Warrior Mindset, I wrote a chapter on going from Stressed to Blessed.
Perhaps it's time to reconsider simpler ways. Did our ancestors have it right? Despite having fewer material comforts, they had the time and space to cherish life's small moments—to share stories, connect deeply, and find joy in the everyday.
During a recent month-long trip abroad, my experiences in Paris and India offered glimpses of this slower pace of life. In Paris, waiters wouldn't bring the check unless requested, allowing patrons to linger over meals, watch the world go by, and savor every bite. In India, despite the bustling pace of the cities, there was a pervasive sense of connection and community, a stark contrast to our fast-paced lives.
One encounter during my travels particularly struck me. Amidst discussions about stress and life's challenges with everyone I met, only one woman stood out and told me she was happy and content when I asked how she was. Her genuine joy stood out amidst a sea of complaints and worries, prompting me to reflect deeply on what it takes to truly find fulfillment.
Our relentless pursuit of happiness often leads us further away from it. The stress we endure in the chase for more, not only robs us of joy but also takes a toll on our health and well-being.
Studies show that 90% of all illnesses are rooted in stress.
We need a change and we need it now. So how do we get off the hamster wheel and experience joy in the moment?
Here's a simple acronym that might be helpful:
PAUSE
It stands for:
P - Pause: Take a moment to pause whatever you're doing and breathe.
A - Appreciate: Appreciate your accomplishments.
U - Unplug: Disconnect from distractions like phones or screens.
S - Savor: Fully savor and appreciate the present moment.
E - Engage: Engage fully with all your senses and enjoy the experience.
As I sit in my backyard, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, I'm reminded of the beauty in life's simple pleasures. A hummingbird, whom I've affectionately named Zoomer, dances before me—an unexpected gift that underscores the importance of choosing joy in every moment. Watch a clip here.
A few years ago, I would've completely missed this sight as I spent more time worrying about the past or the future but having done years of inner work, I can be present to enjoy the magic in front of my eyes and I am so grateful.
What magic are you missing out on because you're too busy chasing joy instead of choosing it?
Blogger bio:
Chitra is the author of “The Warrior Mindset: 7 Mindset Shifts to Unleash Your Inner Warrior”, a keynote speaker, a medium and intuitive healer.
She empowers professionals and organizations to tame their evil inner witch and unleash their inner warrior. Chitra helps leaders tap into their intuition, and lead with intention, and alignment. She is also a medium and intuitive healer and founder of the P.F.H. (Peel, Feel, Heal) framework which helps her clients eradicate unnecessary stress, get in touch with their innate wisdom, and attract the people and experiences they desire.
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