I know joy is possible even in the face of great adversity because I have experienced it. I walked a journey with pancreatic cancer last year and was able to tap into great joy along the way. I know it’s possible for you too.

You don’t often think of cancer and joy in the same sentence, however: I experienced great joy despite the scariness of the diagnosis, the grim side effects of chemotherapy and the extensive surgery and recovery required to enable me to live a long and healthy life.

I focused on the little things that I could do to flourish during this difficult and often arduous journey. I would steep in the joy of gratitude for the love and the care that I was experiencing.

Just like a tea that gets stronger the longer it steeps, I would allow my joy and gratitude to “steep” and carry me forward even when I was uncertain of what would come next.

As I was looking for joy and focusing upon it, I would find more things, events or circumstances that would bring me more joy. It was a beautiful upward spiral.

One of my favorite quotes about joy is from Abraham-Hicks:

“You are joy, looking for a way to express. It’s not just that your purpose is joy, it is that you are joy.
You are love and joy and freedom and clarity expressing, energy frolicking and eager, that’s who you are.”

Joy as our birthright means it is our gift, our inheritance. There is nothing we need to do to “earn” it. You don’t have to be good enough, worthy enough, or spiritual enough to attain it. It is yours just because you are here, because you were born and are a precious Child of the Divine: the giver of joy, the giver of your life.

Joy is not the same thing as happiness. It is possible to feel joy when things are tough, and happiness seems far, far away. Joy is our birthright: it is who we are. Joy is at our core; it is always there even if it is deeply buried inside. Happiness is fleeting, joy is a constant.

Here are 8 ways you can increase the level of joy in your life starting today:

1. Take some time to discover what brings you joy. If
you can’t readily think of anything, think back on what brought you joy as a
child and chances are those things would still generate joy in your life.

2. Get out in nature. What beauty can you discover?
This helps shift our energy and gives us a deeper perspective as a joy seeker.

3.  Do something that lights you up.

4. Listen to uplifting music.

5. Create something.

6. Think about a favorite place or memory. See it, feel it, savor it.

7. Spend time with someone who lifts you up.

8. Journal about your relationship with joy. What does joy want you to know?

Joy is your birthright, even if you don’t feel joyful at the moment or are unsure about your preciousness. You are worthy and deserving of great joy, dear heart. Embrace your birthright.

What brings you joy?  I invite you to comment below so we can all witness you.  Sharing your joy may spark that desire in another. 

You are invited to my Facebook page to inspire and uplift you daily and drench you in divine love.

Janette Stuart: Best Selling Author, Certified Angel Card Reader and Emissary of Joy at Angel Angles with Janette Stuart and Well-Being and Wonder, will assist you to own and embrace your divine beauty and live a life of love, joy, peace and ease. https://angel-angles.com/