Want More Joy? Stop Doing These 3 Things.

Posted on the 23 January 2013 by Chasingjoy @chasing_joy
A little while ago I did one of those personality tests.  I don't remember the all of the results.  But I do remember that one of my primary personality types is Melancholy.  My hommies Merriam and Webster define Melancholy as depressed in spirits.  I know what your thinking Chasing Joy, Melancholy, no way.  But, I have to say I was not surprised.  I actually find it to be quite accurate.  If I am not careful my thoughts do tend veer off track and away from the happy place, toward worry, self doubt, and even envy   This is why my focus must remain on Chasing Joy.

Here are 3 things I can stop doing right now to stay focused on Chasing Joy


  • Stop comparing myself to others.  Each of us has our own unique set of strengths and weaknesses.  I'm not willing to take on other people weaknesses so I have no right to their strengths.  My time is better spent leveraging my own strengths and improving my own weaknesses.
  • Stop gossiping. I am not proud of the fact that I engage in this vice.  I often find myself falling back on the gossip crutch when I run out of things to talk about. Note to self silence is OK.  It is better to be silent than to say things I might regret.    
  • Stop worrying   This is the hardest thing for me to stop doing.  I am naturally a risk averse person.  Risks, trouble, worry jump right out at me.  Every time I catch myself worrying I am going to focus on saying my daily prayer:
Lord, please help me to control my thoughts.  Please help me not to think about things that have not yet happened, have already happened, or things that I have already prayed over. Amen
What can yo stop doing right now to get you back on or keep you on track Chasing Joy???