Ever stop and think about it? The real challenge isn’t finding joy—it’s actually seeing it.
You know how it goes—when we convince ourselves life’s a drag, our brains work overtime to prove us right. The fast pace of life fills our heads with constant chatter like “brace for the next hurdle” or “let’s speed through this and onto the next thing.” It’s like we’re programming our minds to focus only on the hustle and bustle.
Here’s a simple trick to start seeing joy more: make a joy list before hitting the hay each night. Just grab a notepad, keep it by your bed, and jot down three things that made you happy, brought a smile to your face, or gave you some peace during the day. Think about those little moments that made you pause and appreciate the simple things, like watching a bird splash around in a puddle or getting a nice compliment from a stranger.
If you make this a nightly habit, you’ll train yourself to spot those little moments of joy throughout your day. Remind yourself to notice, enjoy, and remember them, knowing you’ll jot them down later. This can help clear your mind before bed, possibly leading to better sleep and waking up feeling more relaxed. Eventually, your brain will get the message that life, despite its craziness, is full of joy—you just gotta notice it.
Idea for Impact: Shift your perspective and learn to appreciate the little joys that surround us, even in the midst of challenges and hectic schedules.