We have to schedule time for joy

Divine discontent is a fundamental part of the human biological endowment. 

Everyday we are swamped by feelings that threaten to drain away our sense of power and ability to make meaning. 

But unless we physically schedule time for joy, it might never find a slot on our schedule. And we’ll become blind to the very things that make our lives feel worth living. 

Because we’ll grow overextended and over exhausted to make the necessary space for it. 

It’s like having sex for married couples. 

Physical intimacy is a precondition for relationship stability, but the absurd idea of putting lovemaking on the calendar would seemingly to remove all of the spontaneity and romance and fun out of the act. 

And yet, approaching sex in that manner is actually quite common, insanely practical and surprisingly liberating. 

I’m reminded of a popular interview with a marriage therapist whose research proves this very practice. She finds that kinky couples plan sex and simmer for days in advance. They emphasize quality of encounter over frequency of encounters. They practice variety and exploration. They don’t judge a partner’s desires. They discuss and negotiate sexual acts, allowing them to be totally immersed in an erotic space when it happens. 

The question is, why should joy function any differently? Why not create a structure that allows us to make it a priority? 

I’d like to see a smartphone app that allows people to schedule, manage and document joy. One that allows people to be more proactive, intentional and disciplined about this most essential human practice. 

That way, when life presents them with the choice between a cup of sadness and a cup of joy, they’ll have no trouble choosing the latter. 

LET ME ASK YA THIS…  

Which meaning making activities are you allowing to be put on the back burner?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS… 

For the list called, “99 Ways to Think Like an Entrepreneur, Even If You Aren’t One,” send an email to me, and you win the list for free!

* * * *

Scott Ginsberg

That Guy with the Nametag

Author. Speaker. Strategist. Inventor. Filmmaker. Publisher. Songwriter.  

[email protected]

www.nametagscott.com

Never the same speech twice. Customized for your audience. Impossible to walk away uninspired.

Now booking for 2017-2018.

Email to inquire about fees and availability. Watch clips of 

The Nametag Guy in action here!