When Life Dishes You Lemons 🍋: Two Simple exercises to Give Joy a Boost in Your Life

Have you ever felt like the universe is against you? Maybe it felt like you were standing in front of an automatic baseball launcher, dodging pitch after pitch just to make it through the day. “I can’t take anymore,” you might have thought. “Why can’t it be easier?” you may have screamed, either out loud or in your mind.

What gives? And why does it feel like life is always so hard?

Here’s the answer: The universe isn’t out to punish you. It’s trying to help you break free.

“Break free from what?” you might ask in frustration. (And yes, your frustration is totally valid—it often sparks change!)

You're breaking free from the idea that life can’t be easy. You’re breaking free from the belief that you’re not worthy of joy or that things have to be difficult.

I once read a journal entry from a family member after a tough medical diagnosis. She wrote, “I’ve often felt that life has been too good, and it’s time for something bad to happen.” It’s an honest reflection of the underlying conditioning many of us carry—that life is hard, and we don’t deserve for things to go well. In short, we don't deserve happiness.

But let’s get real: If you’re afraid that feeling good will bring you punishment, how can your body manifest health and happiness? It’s tough—actually dangerous—to feel joy if you subconsciously believe it’s not safe or deserved.

Ever had a vacation where things went wrong after a few days of pure bliss? Maybe there were arguments, frustrations, or unforeseen mishaps like an injury or a broken water heater (we can save that story for another time!). It’s as if the universe says, “Too much joy? Better reel it back in.” I’ve been there, and I bet you have too.

So, how do you break this pattern and increase your capacity for joy?

The key is to increase your tolerance for goodness and embrace the idea that you are worthy of feeling good, no matter what.

Two Simple Exercises to Boost Joy

1. Clear Your Mind and Tune into Your Body:
Take a few deep breaths, and picture a time when you felt amazing—high energy, no worries, just pure joy. What comes up for you? Do you feel empowered, or do you get the sense that this isn’t possible for you? Pay attention to any emotions or sensations that arise without judgment.

If an emotion comes up, allow it to move through you. If you feel a sensation in your body, just hold your awareness there gently until it releases. This simple exercise helps release the energy blocking your ability to fully embrace joy.

2. Lean Into Your Joy:
Next time you experience a moment of happiness or feel great, resist the urge to rush through it or focus on distractions. Instead, take 15-30 seconds to really feel the joy. Focus on the present moment without worrying about the dishes, bills, or anything else. Just savor the joy, and over time, your tolerance for it will increase.

Claim Your Birthright of Joy

Joy is your birthright, and it’s time to stop pushing it away. Are you ready to embrace your happiness and start feeling worthy of all the abundance life has to offer?