How to Spark Joy and Enrich Your Life Every Day

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joy

Dr Denise Taylor

14 January 2025

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Joy in Later Life

I have a few things on my mind at the moment, and this morning I wondered why I’m feeling tired. I suspect a lot of mental energy is being spent on thinking through different things and making decisions. Perhaps that’s more exhausting now than it was when I was younger.

When I was younger, I would have powered through, driven by the need to meet deadlines, self-imposed or otherwise. Today, I’ve learned to let things settle and take my time. I have a long journey tomorrow, about a 250-mile round trip to see my son and my mum, so I’ve decided to make today a quieter, more restful day.

I also need to remind myself that I’m still dealing with the after effects of my fall. I’m waiting for the results of a CT scan and still managing concussion symptoms. It’s another reminder that rest is essential.

My Word for the Year: Joy

Last Monday, I attended a women’s group, where we discussed our chosen word for the year. I don’t normally participate in this type of exercise, but as I reflected, the word “joy” came to mind. It resonated deeply and is guiding my choices and actions.

Joy in My Home

One concrete action is my decision to renovate my kitchen. It’s nearly nine years old—still functional, but it doesn’t spark joy. So, I’ve chosen a new design in a soft blue that pairs beautifully with my yellow accessories. The upgrade will also include practical features like corner carousels and an eye-level oven to make life easier.

A conversation with my older neighbour provided further inspiration. She mentioned how difficult it was to access her stopcock, tucked inconveniently at the back of the sink cupboard. She installed a simple on/off switch to control it, and I thought, “What a brilliant idea.” It’s now on my kitchen refurb list too.

Additionally, I realised that my kitchen window needed replacing. I wanted to get that done before the new kitchen installation, which meant dealing with four different companies for quotes. Three of them gave me a hard sell, exhausting! But I remind myself that this process, though tiring, is part of creating joy in my living space.

Joy in My Life

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much time I spend consuming news. I subscribe to several newspapers and magazines, including The Atlantic and UnHerd and so many interesting newsletters. While staying informed is important, too much news can be overwhelming. I need to unsubscribe, or decide to put a time limit on this type of reading.

Last weekend, I decided to shift gears and read a couple of proper books – immersive, engaging stories that brought me joy. It reminded me how fulfilling it is to spend time in a world crafted by an author’s imagination.

Joy in Movement and Nature

Another essential source of joy for me is spending time in nature. Movement, whether it’s a gentle walk in the woods or practicing balance exercises as part of my recovery from the fall, helps me reconnect with myself and the world around me. Nature offers solace and perspective, grounding me in the present moment and bringing a quiet sense of happiness. Even short walks make a noticeable difference to my mental clarity and overall well-being.

Joy in Connections

Meaningful connections with friends and family also bring joy. Simple conversations over a cup of tea or spending time in the company of loved ones can be profoundly uplifting. It’s not about grand events but the small, heartfelt moments that matter most.

Reflective Exercises for Joy

Finding joy often starts with small, intentional actions. Here are a few exercises to help you reflect:

  1. Identify Joyful Moments: Think back over the past week. What moments brought you joy, no matter how small? Write them down and reflect on why they felt meaningful.
  2. Joy in Your Environment: Look around your home. Is there something you could change or add to spark more joy? Perhaps a new colour, a rearrangement of furniture, or simply adding fresh flowers.
  3. Reconnect with Nature: Plan a short walk or visit to a nearby green space. As you walk, notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. How does it make you feel?
  4. Rediscover Hobbies: Is there an activity you used to love but haven’t done in a while? Schedule time this week to rediscover it.

Questions to Spark Conversation

I’d love to hear from you. Let’s start a conversation:

  • What brings you joy in your daily life?
  • Have you made any changes recently to create more joy in your home or routine?
  • How do you balance staying informed with protecting your mental well-being?
  • What’s one thing you’ve done recently that made you truly happy?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. I look forward to hearing about your experiences and ideas!

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