As I prepared to board a plane to Honolulu where I was to pick up a cruise ship, I so looked forward to this much needed vacation. But the vacation only lasted a week and then I would go back to my regular routine where I apply most of my energy. If that is the case, I decided, I need to learn how to enjoy my everyday life.



Do you feel the same? I admit it's a challenge. Sometimes daily routines are dull and boring, and at times downright discouraging. The good news is that the power to enjoy is available. It comes from God (see Ecclesiastes 2:and abundant joy is His will for you. Below you will find several steps you can take to help you live more fully everyday.

(1) Focus on God's Word

The Bible has something to say about everything -- marriage, finances, health, raising children, and more. Commit verses to memory that pertain to your concerns and pray them into your circumstances. God's Word expresses His perfect will. It has creative power to produce what it says.

(2) Pray About Everything

The Lord longs to get involved with the small, seemingly unimportant things you have to take care of each day. He longs to give you His wisdom and understanding on how to complete those tasks efficiently. Besides, Jesus instructed you to ask. Why? So, that you can receive. And guess what follows? Joy!

(3) Engage in Worship and Praise

Worship means to honor and adore, to give God the respect He is due. Praise celebrates God's goodness and all of His wonderful qualities. This is not just something we do at church. Worship and praise should be part of our daily fellowship with the Lord.

(4) Get Rid of Perfectionism

Accept that you live in an imperfect world. Not everything is going to go the way you want it to. Be flexible and have a Plan B if Plan A doesn't work out.

When I studied my Hawaii travel itinerary I discovered I wouldn't have a chance to spend much time in Honolulu which meant I wouldn't have the opportunity to see Pearl Harbor. I had my heart set on this tour and felt disappointed. However, I decided that I would have a great time even if I didn't get to see Pearl Harbor. And, I did. There were so many other sights to see.

(5) Get Rid of Guilt and Condemnation

Feeling bad over past mistakes is a waste of time. No one can change the past. The only thing you can do is learn from your error and start again.

(6) Eliminate Whiners and Complainers

Nothing will drag you down faster than being around people who always talk negative. So, eliminate these individuals and surround yourself with people who will encourage and motivate you.

In some cases you might not be able to turn your back on a relationship especially if the whiner and complainer is a spouse or co-worker. In that instance, learn to divorce yourself from their unhappiness. Spend time praying for them and center on the positive aspects of your life.

(7) Realize That Every Moment Has a Purpose

Your life is comprised of a series of moments that should be savored. Soak up the pleasure of the moment by meditating on the Lord's goodness, realizing that He has heard your prayers and is working on your behalf, counting your blessings or asking the Lord what He is trying to teach you at that very moment.

Implement these steps into your life and take hold of the power to enjoy everyday living.