“Go to school, get a job, find a partner, buy a home, have kids.”

That’s the narrative we have all grown up hearing. And while those are beautiful and important values, those milestones don’t help us feel that daily flutter-in-your-heart kind of joy we all crave.

A few times a week I hear, “Oh wow, it’s almost Spring Break” or “before you blink it will be summer.” The days are flying by and there’s nothing we can do about that. But as they do, I aspire to fill them with much more joy!

Although there’s no overnight fix, there are simple (and free) ways I have been bringing joy back into my life every single day.

These effective yet simple methods have helped me escape the hustle and bustle of life. They help me break free from the bad news I see every time I turn on the news or pick up the paper. And they help me stay happy when everyone around me is going through it.

These are the 5 things I’ve integrated into my daily routine to add much more joy into my life:

#1 Eliminate Screen Time and Fall Back In Love with Books

As I looked around my house, I saw countless books I read over the past decade. And it got me thinking about my current reading material: email and social media.

So I decided to transport myself back to the era before smartphones and tablets, and read a good ole fashioned book!

While my kids are quietly cozied up with a book during their reading time, I have been able to finish reading the all-time classic, The Alchemist. And now, I can’t wait to get into my next read.

#2 Face Time with Friends (not the tech Facetime)

I was so caught up in the midst of texting and liking Facebook posts, that I realized it had been too long since I spent real, quality time with good friends.

So between breakfast meet-ups, after school drop off, dinner on weeknights after bedtimes, playdates and more – I have been able to enjoy the company of amazing friends every week.

#3 Venture Into The Culinary Abyss

Most people don’t know this about me but I LOVE to cook. Cooking dinner for my family is probably the most “traditional” thing about me. Yet I rarely turned my stove on after the holidays…

Bored of my old go-to recipes, I decided to crack open my old cookbooks and go on an epic culinary adventure! Cooking is an activity that I can get “lost” in and enjoy with my two baby boys.

#4 Indulge in Period Pieces on TV

Have you heard of the new PBS series, Victoria?

(If you’ve also been reveling in it – NO spoiler alerts please!)

The young queen had all the problems of her country on her shoulders, a government that was itching to get her out, marital expectations and more. If you haven’t started watching this show, it’s a beautiful tale of courage that you absolutely must see!

#5 The Art of “Making”

I asked my baby son R. his favorite word for 2017.

His response?

“Making”

I melted.

So I joined him in “making” awesome projects and it’s been a wonderful, joyful experience.

Painting is one of my favorite ways to “make” something new out of something old. And because you’re reading this, I’m guessing that painting is also one of the ways you escape to your happy place.

So if you want to enjoy an evening of learning and mastering the art of painting, stay tuned…

Because I will be sending you a special invitation in the coming weeks for a small workshop all about “making.”

Now I want to hear from you…

What small thing can you add back into your life to give you more joy on a daily basis?

Share your wisdom in the comments below!

Have a friend who could benefit from more daily joy? Go ahead and share this blog with them today!

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Till the next time we meet, keep making your home incredible with your natural design gifts.

In friendship,

Amitha

p.s. Will I be seeing you at our upcoming workshops?

Reserving your seat to one of these workshops is a powerful step forward in making your home vision for 2017 a reality.

Now the only question is…which workshop will we see you at?

Register for the Free Deminar March 25th, and learn the 3-step Transform system thousands of people just like you are now using to makeover old and unloved furniture and décor.

Want a more hands-on experience? Register for our Beginner’s Hands-On Workshop on March 18th and try the 3-Step Transform makeover process with the expert guidance of a certified Amitha Verma teacher.

If you want to take your paint skills to the next level, the Advanced Hands-On workshop on March 18th is perfect for you.

I can’t think of many things more enjoyable than learning how to paint while sipping French wine in the presence of good company – can you? If that also sounds like your idea of a fun time,  join our Happy Hour Workshop hosted on March 11th or March 24th.

Still have some questions? Give us a call at 713-468-3931 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!