Learn how to cultivate joy into your daily life

‘But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke 2:10-11)

Today, Christians celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you noticed in the above Scripture, the angels said they have 'good news of great joy.” Great joy. Are you feeling joyful today? Some people may argue that the original 'joy” of Christmas is overshadowed by excessive spending, too many gifts and too little time with family.

'Joy is not for just the lucky few. It's a choice anyone can make,” said James Baraz, a longtime meditation teacher and author of 'Awakening Joy.”

How often do you feel great joy in your life? Would you like to feel more?

Here are some ways to cultivate joy:

' Stress less. One of the keys to finding joy in stressful times is by 'simply being aware of what is happening right now, without wishing it were different,” Baraz said. Try it today. If you find yourself being stressed because the house isn't as clean as you would like, pause. Take a deep breath and be aware of all that is good in your life. Being present in every moment and with every interaction is the best gift we can give ourselves and others.

' Change an 'I have to” story to an 'I get to” story. When I was little my dad would kiss me goodbye in the morning and say, 'I get to go to work today!” This has always stuck with me. At a very young age my dad was able to teach me that attitude can affect how you feel in almost any situation.

' Let go of feeling busy. This may take some practice - but it is well worth it. Even if nothing on your schedule changes, your feelings about your day can change. Feeling busy can lead to being scattered, anxious and feeling robbed of time. Take a moment to slow down during the day to take in a couple of deep breaths and allow yourself to feel centered. Even if you have a busy schedule, you can choose to feel happy, peaceful and joyful.

' Seek the good in others. During holiday parties, taking the time to find the good in every person will make the exchange more enjoyable - even if it's with someone you may not enjoy spending time with. Genuinely finding the good in someone else frees you from judgment. Doesn't that feel good?

Do you remember the three Wise Men who traveled with gifts to meet Jesus? They were guided by the brightest star in the sky - the Star of Bethlehem.

Now imagine a similar bright star representing the joy you can have in your life. How close are you to this bright star? No matter how close, or how far away, remember that real joy comes from a sense of contentment. Knowing what your gifts are, and a willingness to share them is one of the surest ways to experience joy.

Merry Christmas!

' Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of The Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org