What Brings You Joy?: We asked the LYV-ON Team
Happiness is a unicorn we are all constantly chasing during the whole duration of our lives. Some people are happy all the time, and exude joy. While others seem to believe that happiness is a myth. We all also have different ideas of what happiness is. So we ask the LYV-ON girls 7 questions. Keep reading to see what happiness is to them.
1. What does happiness mean to you?
Maria: Happiness to me means having balance in all the things that bring me peace and joy. I’m happy when I have enough time for the ones I love in my life, my favorite activities, and time for self-care.
Ashley: Happiness to me, means feeling my most comfortable, at home, best self. Usually this is happening in my life when I am feeling a good sense of purpose as well as doing something I am passionate about. When I feel like I am giving myself time, and care and room to grow, that's when I feel my best self.
Ally: This can be hard for me. I have a lot to be happy and thankful for. But I do think happiness comes when I’m feeling my best. Even if it’s feeling my best with my mental health. It makes a huge difference in my life and happiness.
2. Is happiness a choice, a state of mind or a journey?
Maria: All of the above - It is a choice to go on the journey to find happiness. It’s a state of mind to continue the journey - all the ups and downs.
Ally: I think all three. It definitely can be journey to get there but you also have the choice to feel it or not. Everyone’s situations are different so while some it may just be a choice for others finding it is the journey.
Ashley: Happiness is all the above. I always remember an old coworker of mine used to tell her kids every morning at drop off “choose joy”. And it always stayed with me. Even when I am at my lowest or most upset I try to remind myself that there’s so much I can’t control. But how I react to things, that is in my control. And there are moments that feel so glib that you don’t see any positives, but it’s always temporary. Which is why I think of joy as a journey. And state of mind: because i think of vacay mode and just being away relaxed. That’s happiness and it’s a state of mind.
3. What is your happiest place in the world (location) ?
Maria: My home (when it’s clean). I’m a homebody at heart and I love the days when we have no plans, and I can just hang with my family in our home.
Ally: My home - I’m a very anxious person and I don’t like crowds. I feel not only comfortable but safe at home which leads to me being able to feel free and be happy.
Ashley: For me I am the happiest at the beach. The waves, the sounds, the smell, the sun on my skin. It soothes me. I grew up going to the beach all the time. It’s for sure a security blanket of mine.
4. Who/whom brings you joy ?
Maria: A lot of people bring me joy, but my son and husband bring me the most joy. Hearing “I love you” and getting hugs and kisses from my family is the best feeling!
Ally: My family. They really are my rock. I lean on my husband daily and my boys always bring a smile to my face.
Ashley: My family! And not all my family members are blood. There’s a quote I read that says there’s a point in friendship that you stop being friends and you become family. And I am fortunate enough to say I have a great tribe that helps me get through this thing we call life. My boys are who keep me going. My son and hubby are my rocks, my inspiration, and my heart.
5. What activity/activities bring you the most joy?
Maria: Waking up before the sun comes up, getting a workout in the morning, my first sip of coffee, and singing with my son in the car on the way to drop him off at school. Cooking a nice meal and eating together as a family completes my day.
Ally: Currently (and always) a good book. I can forget all my worries and get lost into a book for hours. I absolutely love it.
Ashley: I think when I really am honest with myself I am the happiest when I am being creative. I’m any form or capacity. I love writing, painting, doing makeup, styling, designing, and cooking. All the things that make me feel like I have creative juices flowing.
6. What food makes you the happiest ?
Maria: Pasta or crab legs.
Ally: Sushi, always sushi! Ooh crab legs too!
Ashley: This one is hard, because I love ALL food, especially food from different cultures. But my absolute favorite is Mexican food and Italian. If I were ever to be on death row my last meal would be sopes, tacos, tamales and probably some chicken fettuccini Alfredo.
7. How do you try to bring joy and happiness to others?
Maria: I believe smiling at a stranger and saying hello can go a long way. Also, being a listening ear and offering words of encouragement.
Ally: I’m a firm believer in taking the time you need for yourself. Fill your cup so you can later fill others. I’ve always been a great listener and your secrets are safe with me. I love being there for others but because I always looked out for others over myself I have been burned so many times from it! Take care of yourself and make those boundaries. You are still a great person helping others after.
Ashley: I just try to be there. My father in law gave a speech at my husband and I’s wedding; he said most of everything is just showing up. Just being there. So that’s all I try to do. I cannot be anybody's happiness and end all be all. But I can be there and just try to have a good time.
This is what our LYV-ON gals had to say about joy. But what would your answers be LYV?
Live You, Love You.
XO,
Lyvon Team
