A Joyful Life Is a Life Well Lived

Joyful living can be the key to living a long, healthy and fulfilled life. But what exactly is joyful living? Mindfulness expert and psychologist Dr. Rabia Subhani defines joyful living as “living a life of purpose and intention, motivation and fulfillment.” Living joyfully is tightly connected to the everyday choices we make. How do we stay present in our own lives? How do we experience and move through disappointments and challenges? Being in the right place can help you maintain your joy.

The Benefits of Joyful Living
As mindfulness practice has taken off in the West over the past several decades, more researchers are examining the role of joy in our lives. Initial findings show that joy is directly related to well-being. While many relate joy to happiness, it’s a distinct positive emotion, one closely related to connection, gratitude and mindful awareness.

Connection Brings Joy
People find joy through connection. This might be a connection to others or feeling connected to something meaningful. It can even be the connection you feel with a beloved pet. We know that having connections is crucial for our psychological well-being. Healthy social relationships lower stress, decrease depression and extend our lives.

At The House of the Good Shepherd, we offer countless opportunities for you to cultivate these vital connections. We encourage and help facilitate new friendships through social events and groups. You can explore new interests, immerse yourself in nature, and stay physically fit with like-minded peers.

You may discover your joy as you wander through the 15 acres of lush woodland along the Musconetcong River in our backyard. Or you could join a lively Bible study group, or schedule weekly meetups with friends for dinner. Off campus, we have a close relationship with Centenary University, giving you even more options for enriching, exploratory activities that can bring you joy.

The Cycle of Goodness
Studies at George Mason University show that joy creates a cycle of goodness. Joy brings more gratitude, and, in turn, more gratitude brings even more joy, creating a beautiful cycle of joy and long-lasting happiness.

At The House, we feel and celebrate gratitude in our community every day. Our mission is to enrich the well-being of every individual in our community, and we work hard at that. We live by our values: respect for everyone, compassion and kindness in our service, upholding the inherent dignity of every person.

Joy Is Essential for Well-Being
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, found that people with more joy in their lives are likely to feel better physically, mentally and spiritually. Psychologist Simon Goldberg with the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Healthy Minds agrees, explaining, “The basic finding that having a sense of meaning in life is important to health, and that it becomes even more important as we get older, makes a lot of sense.”

One definition of Joy is to live a life of purpose. It’s about finding pleasure in life’s moments, big and small. Studies find that living a joyful life has positive impacts on our health and well-being, including:

• Increased energy and motivation
• Longer life expectancy
• Increased productivity
• Lowered risk of cardiovascular disease
• Increased feeling of youthfulness
• Lowered stress
• Improved physical health
• Stronger immune system
• Better coping mechanisms
• Increased feeling of calm

Begin Living Your Joyful Life Today
At Riverwalk Village, The House of the Good Shepherd, our independent living residents in Hackettstown, NJ discover a warm and caring community that welcomes them with open arms. We are a community that believes in the pursuit of joyful living. Our maintenance-free homes give you more time to do the things that bring you joy. And, when you need a little extra support to help you live well, we have you covered. Whether it is a fitness class, a lecture series, or a night out dining with friends,  we can help you live a joyful life.

Find the joy that nurtures your body, mind and soul at The House of the Good Shepherd. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour and start living the joyful life you deserve.