Statistically you are most likely to be a reflection of the aggregate of the 7 people who you spend the most time with.

Unfortunately we cannot always manifest our optimum mentors, peer group and general vibrational matches as quickly as we may like.

However, we generally do have the power to eliminate or at least reduce the time spent with people or activities that drag us down or sap our joy.

At the same time, we are also able to increase our exposure to the hobbies, activities and environments that bring us joy.

Inviting more positive energy into our lives in this way is a powerful way to raise our vibration and attract people and experiences that constructively contribute to our happiness.

Three simple ways to turn on your positivity supply:

Resume a hobby that used to make you happy – it doesn’t matter what it is: painting, skateboarding, singing, baking, anything goes.  If funds are limited then choose a hobby that won’t put a dent in them and if they are more abundant or you feel moved to generate the cash to cover it, then push the boat out!  It really isn’t about how much you invest financially though, but rather how consistent you are with the time that you invest in reclaiming this source of joy.

Find a venue that you love and spend more time there – be it a cafe, a park, an art centre or even a welcoming launderette.  Anywhere will do, as long as being there lifts your spirits in some way.  Regularly visiting a place that makes you feel good can be helpful in so many ways.  We are often more productive in places that make us happy, becoming a regular somewhere can increase our sense of connection and belonging and choosing to make a commitment to visit a certain place on a regular basis can give us a greater sense of purpose in our day which in turn is good for our well-being, and improves our resilience to stress and even the ability to think clearly.

Do something for someone else.  One five year study of 2000 individuals found that people who described themselves as “very happy” volunteered for at least 5.8 hours per month.  It is unclear whether this is a result of the increased physical or social activity caused by the volunteering; or indeed by the mental uplift that doing good things for others can cause, whatever the cause it is surely worth the effort though.  So, whether it is volunteering at a centre, being a new phone friend for an elderly housebound person or making a conscious decision to help out an acquaintance who is in overwhelm right now, find a way to give back that suits you and you will find that you are giving back to yourself in the process.

Adopting any of the above options will also have the added benefit of limiting the time that you have available for those who, consciously or unconsciously, drain your joy.  If those people are important to you, you can still make time for them if you chose to, but on your own terms and with strong boundaries in place.  If they aren’t willing to accept the new dynamic, stand firm on your boundaries and give them time to adjust.  If they can’t make the adjustment, then it may be time to gently and respectfully call it a day on that relationship.

Here’s to inviting more joy into every corner of our lives, each and every day!

With love from me to you,

Beth – The Apothecary of Joy