One Easy Way to Find More Joy in Your Day

Hi, I'm organizing and lifestyle expert Lorie Marrero, creator of The Clutter Diet, and we talked in a recent video about ways to say no more effectively, but today I'd like to talk about the times when you say yes. When you commit to something, what often happens is we wake up in the morning knowing that we've committed to something that day and we immediately feel dread and we feel discouraged about, ugh, I really don't wanna go volunteer at the school for this popcorn popping thing that I'm gonna do or whatever it is that you've decided to say yes to, and I wanna tell you that I've created a rule for myself about this, you know I do have the option to choose as an adult to say yes or to say no. And I know creative ways to say no, like we talked about in another video, and if I choose to say yes, then I own that decision and I choose to do that event or that occasion or that activity with joy. So if I catch myself having those feelings of regret or dread about having said yes to something, I say wait, I had the option of saying no, if I said yes, then I'm saying yes to doing it with joy, and if I can't do it with joy, then I may find a way to decline that event. Sometimes there are genuinely situations where this is really isn't going to work for you, you've made a mistake and you know what, I love what Oprah has said in some of the things she's written about we have the right to change our mind, and that's okay too, so if you're going to say yes and commit and do it, do it with joy, and if you can't do it with joy, either say no in the first place or elegantly change your mind. So I'd love to hear what you think about this, and if you can implement this little rule or policy in your life to do things with more joy. We'll see you next time, and may you always be happy and grateful for having more than enough.

I love the part about elegantly changing your mind. I've been working through a decision I made a year ago. I have been following through with as much joy as I can muster, but am finding my joy for this activity is no longer there. So I am going to elegantly change my mind. Thank you for sharing this video.

[Butterflybleu]

Wow! I was amazed that your video was about joy, because when I saw the email announcing it I honestly clicked on the link thinking "I love watching Lorie's videos, they give me joy!" How weird is that! My view on commitment is based on whether I am letting someone down, or over burdening someone by not helping/showing up/participating. We're adults, if we agree to something then we've made a verbal contract & promise, so must commit. It is so much better to say no in the first place, even if it disappoints, so that someone else can help/commit/support! The only time letting someone down is acceptable is if it is regarding a health issue, or more urgent need. Besides, I've often found those times I showed up when I really didn't want to, became one of those times I'm really glad I didn't miss it! There is joy to be found in most things if we pay attention & adopt a positive train of thought! 😊

[dawnsfields]

Well that was good timing. I made a commitment to go somewhere tomorrow and it's cold, dark and rainy here in the UK and I was thinking of ways to just not show up... But you reminded me that I really did what to do this event a month ago and people will be there I want to see. So Suck it up Buttercup! Put on that raincoat and go make some fun!!

[dianawestrup]

Thank you very much Lorie. You are a lovely lady and your comment is valuable. I appreciate it. Regards from Cancun, Mexico.

[katherinekane]

I enjoyed hearing your video and yes also agree to follow thru when a commitment has been made for following thru. There have been times I did not want to go, but knew it was better for me to do it and at the end of day I did feel better for doing so. Joy abounds!!!!

[judithwallace]

Thank you for this thoughtful and wise message.

[marywolfe]

we can always change our mind now and then too!

[pollydolly]

The most disrespectful thing for me is to have someone waste my time. So Lorie, you are right. Before you commit to something - do it for the right reasons. Then fulfill your commitment joyfully. Everyone has times they feel ill or an emergency comes up...and that's understandable. Otherwise if you've promised - you need to keep that commitment.

[suzannemiller]

in the book "Wake Up and Live" by Dorothea Brandt she has the readers do a series of exercises including one where you say Yes to all reasonable requests. The purpose, of course, is to break out of your comfort zone. So when I say Yes to an activity and later wished I hadn't, I think of this exercise and expect the unexpected benefit.

[DalokiMauvais]

Where did you get that awesome chair? I hate the color but I love love LOVE the style, and it looks incredibly comfortable.

[maureenmccrackin]

I had to laugh at the popcorn popping volunteering. I volunteered to make popcorn for the school every Friday for many years. I enjoyed it and looked forward to it. The children were so appreciative. My own children were in university and I was still volunteering at their elementary school. I actually rather miss it!

[knellwal]

But what if you HAVE committed to the popcorn-popping thing (or whatever) and change your mind? Fine for YOU, but people are counting on you! What if EVERYONE changed his/her mind at the last minute? Say "no" in the beginning, but then BE an adult and honor your commitments!

[MbrSaA]

If it doesn't spark joy then I say don't do it.😃✨

[shakenbake]

I disagree. If you have committed then carry through with it unless there is a reason like sickness keeping you from it. Be careful up front.

[MoiNokaOi]

Love you suggestions and encouragements! (Eeesh, NO Oparah advice! Eeesh, the woman is evil at heart. "Let's rejoice with a Shout Out for our
Abortions🤡!")