Joy Bursts
Sipping coffee before the rest of your house wakes, freshly laundered sheets, a funny text from an old friend. These days, it doesn’t take much to brighten our moods. But how often do we stop and notice these moments of joy?
We spent the fall learning how to work safely in our offices while juggling our kids’ hybrid school schedules and their new work-from-bedroom scenarios. Drained by Zooms and the guilt of additional screen time, the weeks became more difficult to manage. We worried about the mental health of our kids at home and those away in this new world of college. I needed to shift my own frustrations to a happier outlook.
I suggested to two of my college friends that we text each other one moment of joy each day. “Share anything that makes you smile, or gives you a quick hit of joy,” I explained. “Focus on yourself, not what you are doing to bring joy to others.” My goal was to uncover what made us smile each day. I wondered how we could cultivate more happiness?
“Took a hot Epsom salt bath after dinner #joyburst” I sent to Bryson and Loren.
“Used a hair mask and blew out my hair even though I had no place to go,” Bryson shared.
“Met a friend for a run #joyburst” Loren
“Listened to Oprah’s podcast on a slow walk #joyburst” Loren sent us both.
“Eating my lunch outside without my phone,” I sent.
Our bursts of joy became contagious. I turned off my alarm clock, remembering that Bryson enjoyed sleeping in the day before. I searched for a spa playlist that gave Loren a #joyburst the day prior. Todd asked me about their joy bursts at dinner and shared his own. If my day was gloomy, I found myself trying to find a reason to smile and share. The quest for joy bursts distracted me from my gloom. We shared photos of recipes, podcasts, quotes, and songs. The more focus we shined on our joy, the brighter these moments became.
When our boys were small, we read the book “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” and laughed over how miserable he was. The more Alexander stomped around complaining, the worse his day seemed to get. Gloom breeds doom.
By changing our mindsets to search for the good moments, we can find more reasons to smile. We don’t need grand celebrations or adventures; we just need little everyday sparks to feel more joy. A text from a friend, watching a movie with your child, a warm bath at the end of the day. Simple moments bring joy and when added up, brighten our day. But it is up to us to search for these moments and savor them.
If you have been struggling to find joy lately, do not give up hope. Your search might take longer or be more difficult, but I bet you can find a little something to make you smile. On days when I cannot find anything, I look to my friends to see what is making them happier and try to duplicate for myself. That is why sharing your joy is so important, you never know who might need inspiration at that moment.
I give my family books in their Christmas stockings, even though the books sit on their nightstands and often go unread. I have faith that eventually, someone will be inspired to read one of them. It hasn’t happened yet, but I cling to hope. I have given them journals as well, trusting that they will use them when the time is right.
Last spring, I started getting up earlier to add in time to read and write in my journal. This simple tweak to my schedule has given me a few moments for myself to start my day in a positive mindset. On the weekends, Todd joins me with his iced coffee and laptop. It is a nice change of pace from our busy weekdays.
As I was writing this piece about joy bursts, I looked over at Todd and noticed he was reading the book I gave him for Christmas, with Simba warming his feet. That joy burst smacked me right in the face.
Next month is Valentine’s Day, a time when we are encouraged to show people how much we love them. What if this year you showed yourself some love? Grab a friend and start sharing your #joybursts so we can spread the love together!
