Reclaiming Joy

Joy can sometimes feel in short supply. In times of difficulty and grief, it can feel impossible to access deep and abiding happiness. It is essential to honor feelings of loss. It is equally necessary to eventually reclaim joy.

The months ahead will be about taking back much of what we lost to COVID-19—joy included. Here are some ways to go about finding and hanging onto your bliss after times of trouble:

Define it. What does joy mean to you? Your joy may not look like everyone else’s joy. For me, it’s travel and family. Get specific about the things that make you happy.

Who brings you joy? Reach out. Send an email or make a phone call. Plan a gathering when it is safe.

Break up with bad habits. Negative cycles of thinking or destructive behaviors can hinder our ability to find moments of peace and recognize joy as it arrives. Be honest with yourself about habits or thought patterns you can let go of.

Slow down. Think about ways you can incorporate mindfulness and attention into small moments of your day. Something as simple as eating your lunch without scrolling on your cell phone can sometimes create a little more space for joy to enter.

Listen to music you love. What song always makes you dance? Play it! Get up and move! Celebrate what it’s like being alive in your body.

Volunteer. Spending time in service of others is a beautiful way to reconnect with purpose, peace, and joy.

I wish you all a happy spring. Make a daily appointment with joy and keep it.