Finding your Joy: Discovering Daily Delights in a World of Possibilities
- T Benton
- Feb 23
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 31
With daily responsibilities and deadlines to meet, finding joy in our everyday lives can be challenging. Often, we rush through our routines, missing those small moments that bring us happiness. What if we stepped back to see and appreciate the beauty around us? This blog post is dedicated to uncovering those delightful sparks that brighten our daily experiences and remind us to find joy in our lives every day.
Understanding Joy
Joy is more than just a brief feeling; it’s a way of experiencing life that helps us appreciate the present moment. It often springs from simple pleasures, like enjoying a warm cup of tea, listening to a child's laughter, or admiring a stunning sunset. When we take the time to acknowledge and nurture these small moments, we build a foundation for a happier life.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
According to Hohlbaum (2022), "The origins and levels of joy differ for everyone, but we all share an innate capacity for it. It can be amplified by examining not just what makes us happy but also what makes our entire being thrum with delight. Not surprisingly, the origins of joy have nothing to do with materialism or status and everything to do with our state of mind".
Stop and think about the moments in your life where you felt joyful. What were the circumstances? Who was there? Even remembering joyful moments in our lives can trigger joy in the present moment.
So, what brings us joy? The answer to that question is as unique as we are. Joy is different for everyone, and when we practice mindfulness and pay attention to small moments and events throughout our day, we will quickly discover joy every day.
Embracing Mindfulness
One of the best ways to discover joy in daily life is through mindfulness. This practice means being fully present and aware of what is happening around us. When we are mindful, we can truly appreciate the richness of our experiences.
To cultivate mindfulness, consider incorporating these practices into your life:
Breathing Exercises: Spend just five minutes focused on breathing at the start or end of your day. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold it for four, then exhale for a count of six. This simple practice can clear your mind and enhance focus.
Photo courtesy of Chirayu Vyas
Nature Walks: Take a stroll outside and observe your surroundings. Identify three colors you see or listen for various sounds in the environment. Watch the birds going about their day, watch the leaves fall, and take in the smells that only the outdoors can provide. Engaging your senses this way can help you slow down and deepen your gratitude for nature. Remember always to be careful, pay attention to your surroundings, and, if possible, walk with a friend or a group.
Keeping a Gratitude Journal: Journaling has become a very popular way to practice mindfulness while we reflect on our day. "A gratitude journal is, quite simply, a tool to keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult and defeating life can sometimes feel, there is always something to feel grateful for" (Ackerman, 2025). Dedicate a few minutes each night to jot down three things you are thankful for.
Seeking Small Pleasures
While significant life milestones can create joy, the small pleasures that fill our days often make the most significant difference. Here are some daily delights you might seek out:
Morning Rituals: Begin your day with an enjoyable routine, whether sipping your favorite coffee, stretching, or enjoying the sound of your favorite music. These moments set a positive tone for your entire day. I always ensure I wake up early enough to do a few morning stretches and then slowly sip my first cup of tea before beginning my often busy day. This tiny routine starts my day calmly and fills me with gratitude for the small things I am lucky to enjoy.
Culinary Adventures: Try new recipes or explore a different cuisine once a week. Cooking can be a creative outlet, and sharing a meal with family or friends fosters connections and memories. My husband and I love food and find and cook new recipes often. Experimenting with different cuisines gives us great joy!
Photo courtesy of Elina Fairytale
Reading for Pleasure: Dedicate time to read a book or listen to an engaging audiobook during a quiet afternoon. This form of escapism allows you to unwind and find joy in different narratives. Reading allows us to drift away from our responsibilities for a while and explore the world in our imaginations created by the written word.
Celebrating Connections
Strong relationships are a cornerstone of happiness. Connecting with friends, family, or even new acquaintances can enrich our lives and provide us with much-needed support and joy.
Regular Check-ins: Make it a point to reach out to a loved one daily. A simple text or phone call asking about their day fosters connection and warmth. Please take the time to check on your older adult loved ones as often as possible. These daily connections with your friends and loved ones will create joy for them and you.
Join a Community Group: Participate in local clubs or groups focused on your interests, whether it's creating art, hiking, or learning new languages. The friendships formed here can create lasting joy. My dear friend Donna gifted me with a membership to a writers' group she was a member of. She knew I shared her love of writing and while I can't always attend every group meeting or participate in every group project due to time constraints, this group is a way for me to catch up with my friend and meet new friends along the way. Connecting with others who share your passions creates friendships based on the mutual joy you both share.
Volunteer: Giving back to your community is another pathway to happiness. Whether you help at a local food bank or participate in beach cleanups, studies show that helping others can significantly boost your mood. Consider what you are passionate about and how you can make a difference and then find ways to get involved. At the end of this article, you will find several links for ways to get involved in volunteer work.
Injecting Playfulness
Play isn’t just for kids; it’s essential for adults too! Adding a touch of playfulness to your life can spark joy and creativity.
Creative Hobbies: Consider activities like painting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. Engaging in these creative outlets allows you to express your uniqueness, boosting your mood. I recently took up painting, and while I am not very good, it gives me great joy to use my hands in a creative activity. Joyful hobbies are not things you must master, they are things you find joy in doing.
Games and Sports: Get involved in local sports teams or organize game nights with friends. Friendly competition and laughter are surefire ways to uplift your spirits.
Photo courtesy of Pavel Danilyuk Impromptu Adventures: Be spontaneous! Choose a different route home from work or plan an unplanned day trip to a nearby town. New experiences can lead to unexpected joy.
Finding Joy in Mundane Tasks
Even the most routine chores can become opportunities for joy. By shifting our perspective, we can find delight in activities we usually groan about.
Music and Podcasts: Play your favorite songs or listen to a captivating podcast while completing chores. This transforms dull tasks into enjoyable experiences.
Mindful Cleaning: As you tidy your home, focus on the rhythm of the activity. Reflect on how a clean, organized space contributes to a clearer mind. While I am extremely grateful dishwashers were invented I must admit I enjoy slowing down and washing dishes by hand from time to time. The feeling of the warm sudsy water on my hands and the rhythm of washing, rinsing, and drying fills me with a sense of joy and accomplishment.
Gardening: If you have a garden, take time to care for your plants. Nurturing life can foster a fulfilling sense of connection to nature and its cycles. I love the feeling of the dirt in my hands, being outdoors, or just caring for my indoor plants. If you do not have much outdoor space or prefer gardening on a small scale an indoor herb garden is an excellent way to find joy through gardening. It is a thoughtful process that instills calm and joy. Utilizing what you grow in the dishes you prepare is a sustainable way to enjoy gardening even more.
Creating a Joyful Environment
Your surroundings can greatly influence your happiness. Make changes to your environment that promote joy:
Declutter Your Space: A tidy home can reduce stress. Eliminate items that no longer serve you and create a welcoming environment. Clutter is a mood killer for me. I don't need my home to be perfect, but for me to be at peace in my home, I do need some organization. Take time out every few months to rid yourself of anything that you really do not need by donating or giving those things away. Giving creates joy for many.
Personal Touches: Make space feel uniquely yours with artwork, photographs, or plants that uplift you. Surrounding yourself with joyful items enhances your mood. I love pops of color throughout my home. Sunny or bright colors can often boost our mood and provide an overall feeling of joy. According to Mental Health America (n.d.), "Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming". You will find helpful links at the end of this article to help you understand how color can stimulate our emotions differently.
Natural Light: Maximize sunlight in your living spaces. Studies suggest that exposure to natural light can improve mood and energy levels significantly. So open those curtains and let the light fill your rooms when possible. You might also consider investing in a natural light lamp for areas of your home that do not tend to get much natural light.
Embracing Everyday Joy
Finding joy in our lives is not only possible; it’s essential for our well-being. By practicing mindfulness, seeking small pleasures, nurturing connections, embracing playfulness, and curating a joyful environment, we can uncover each day's delightful possibilities.
Take daily moments to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around you. Remember that joy is not just for major life events; it thrives in the little moments waiting for you to discover. So, explore the world around you and make joy an integral part of your everyday life!
Here's to your Good Health! ❤️
T. Benton
Owner & Writer @blissful-health.org
Copyright © 2025 Blissful-Health.org. All Rights Reserved.
Links to Discover More Joy:
Links for Helpful Tips on Color in your Home:
Resources:
Ackerman, C. E. (2025, February 19). Gratitude Journal: 35 ideas for getting started. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-journal/
Hohlbaum, C. L. (2022, November 8). The Hidden Power of Joy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-of-slow/202211/the-hidden-power-of-joy
Mental Health America (Ed.). (n.d.-a). How do colors in my home change my mood? color psychology explained. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/surroundings/color-psychology-explained
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