Finding Joy in Hidden Treasures

When was the last time you truly savored a moment of pure joy? If you had to dig deep to remember, it's time to start taking note of life’s little pleasures that spark joy.

There is an abundance of joy all around us. 

Joy often hides in the present moment, yet we spend much of our time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By noticing and being fully present in each moment, you can uncover the joy that exists in even the most mundane activities. Whether it's savoring a cup of tea, taking a leisurely walk, or enjoying a conversation with a loved one, being present allows you to notice the beauty and wonder of life.

Joy is a delightful emotion that resonates not just in our minds but also in the very core of our being. Joy brings with it a unique lightness, both physically and emotionally. Our steps become lighter, and the burdens of life seem to dissipate momentarily. Joy not only touches our hearts but also permeates our entire being, infusing our existence with an indescribable and uplifting energy that reminds us of the beauty and wonder of life itself.

It's the comfort we feel when a dog wags their tail in sheer, exuberant love. It's that colorful, vibrant painting in our living room that, after 20 years, still brings a smile. It's the homemade art sitting on our desks that our children so carefully crafted for us. It's the sweet sound of your child's voice. It's the smile from a stranger, a hug from a friend, the way the sun glimmers through the trees; I could go on and on.  

Joy is a profound sense of contentment and fulfillment found in unexpected places and moments. It's there and only requires us to slow down and take notice of the abundance of joy that fills our lives.

You can even conjure joy in the mind through memories or imagination. Memories can serve as a wellspring of joy. Think about those moments in your past that brought immense happiness - perhaps a childhood birthday party, a notable achievement, a heartwarming conversation with a loved one, or a beautiful vacation. When you intentionally bring these memories to the forefront of your mind, you can relive the positive emotions associated with them. This act of revisiting the past can evoke the same feelings of joy, gratitude, and contentment, helping you to experience happiness in the present moment.

Katherine, how can I feel joy when there is so much pain and suffering in the world today? 

As stated by Susan David, author of Emotional Agility, "give yourself the gift of being with your emotions, whatever they may be. How you feel is how you feel. Let these feelings pass through you, and remember that they do not last forever."  

Joy helps build resilience. The yes and approach has always been helpful to me. Yes, I feel despair and heartache for so much suffering today, and I feel hopeful, too.

I've been known to let the New York Times and NPR take up way too much head space. The constant news consumption can certainly impact my emotions and create fear and worry for my children's future. I've learned over the years to balance that thirst for knowledge and desire to know everything happening in the world with the reality that my energies are better served, leaning into the things that I can change. As the serenity prayer states, "…grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." 

I can teach my children curiosity, empathetic listening, critical thinking, effective problem-solving, and compassionate conflict resolution. All skills our world could use more of.

Even amidst the most challenging physical circumstances, people are naturally drawn to seek out pockets of beauty and moments of delight. This innate impulse isn't irrational; rather, it serves as a vital source of respite from hardship and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. In all its forms, joy grounds us in our humanity and gives us a compelling reason to embrace life fully.

The actor Rainn Wilson, best known for playing Dwight Schrute on "The Office," has been candid about his history with anxiety and depression. In his search for joy around the world, he realized that "I can feel sorrow and darkness and still feel joyful," Wilson said. "Joy doesn't negate the difficulties of being alive."

Joy is more than just an outcome of positivity; it often serves as a catalyst that propels us towards creating more positivity in the world.

Tips for Finding Joy

Embrace the Present Moment

I love this TED talk, wherein Ingrid Fetell Lee emphasizes the importance of noticing the "Aesthetics of Joy" in our immediate surroundings. Remember, joy often hides in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness and being fully present in each moment, you can uncover the joy that exists in even the most mundane activities, whether it's the smell of your first cup of coffee, the hummingbird outside your window, the genuine appreciation you have for your colleagues, and enjoying a conversation with a neighbor. Being present allows you to notice the beauty and wonder of life.

Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for finding joy. When you focus on the things you are thankful for, you shift your perspective from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life. Take time each day to acknowledge and appreciate the people, experiences, and possessions that bring you joy. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful practice in cultivating this sense of appreciation.

Connect with Nature

Nature has a remarkable ability to evoke joy. The beauty of a sunrise, the serenity of a forest, or the simplicity of a blooming flower can all inspire feelings of joy and wonder. Spend time in nature, whether it's a hike in the mountains or a stroll in the park, and immerse yourself in the natural world. This connection with nature can rejuvenate your spirit and help you rediscover joy.

Engage in Creative Pursuits

Creativity is a direct path to joy. Engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing, dancing, or playing music allows you to express yourself freely and tap into your inner joy. Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, the act of creating something can be incredibly fulfilling and joyful.

Nurture Relationships

Joy often hides within our relationships with others. Spending time with friends and loved ones, sharing laughter, and forming deep connections can bring immense joy into our lives. Make an effort to prioritize your relationships and invest time and energy into building and maintaining them.

Practice Acts of Kindness

Acts of kindness, whether big or small, have the power to bring joy to both the giver and the recipient. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or offer a smile to a stranger. Kindness creates a ripple effect of positivity and can lead to a profound sense of joy.

Pursue Meaning and Purpose

Finding joy is closely linked to living a life with purpose and meaning. Reflect on your values, passions, and what truly matters to you. When you align your actions with your sense of purpose, you are more likely to experience deep and lasting joy.

Embrace Imperfection

Perfectionism often hinders our ability to experience joy. Embrace imperfections, both in yourself and in life. Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the human experience and can be valuable learning opportunities. By letting go of the need for perfection, you open yourself up to the joy of growth and self-acceptance.

Joy is not a distant, unattainable dream but a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered in the everyday moments of life. You can uncover the joy hiding in plain sight by embracing the present, practicing gratitude, connecting with nature, engaging in creativity, nurturing relationships, showing kindness, pursuing meaning, and embracing imperfection. So, start your journey to find joy today, and may you discover it in the most unexpected places.

For more inspiration, listen to the Ten Percent Happier podcast with Ross Gay, Author of The Book of Delights, Inciting Joy, and The Book of (More) Delights.

Wishing you a day filled with Joy,

Katherine