Bring the joy back
November got me thinking about joy. Where did mine go — and how do I get it back?
Lately, busy months got me like drained of energy with a monkey mind so active that I wanted to do ten things at the same time! My energy? On low battery. My mind? A complete fiasco. Who’s with me? !
So, one morning, after a much-needed meditation (and maybe half a croissant) I gave myself a helping hand. I decided to ask myself: What actually brings me joy? How can I bring it back?
And just like that, the answers started pouring in — little moments, memories, and things that make my heart do that small, quiet smile. Maybe joy isn’t lost… maybe it’s just waiting for me to notice it again.
My joy inventory:
A weekend getaway in the countryside - where time stands still and my thoughts finally catch up.
Slow mornings in bed with coffee and a book —the kind of mornings that make you forget your long TO DO list.
Sunday brunch with my people. Because sometimes, joy looks like avocado toast and laughter.
Friday walks with my BFF —part therapy, part gossip column, all heart.
Starting a new agenda — with the same old hope to finally get my life together.
Watching a tennis match and wondering if life’s really just a series of serves and returns.
Being close to nature.
Working out: Pilates, yoga, cycling, swimming
Decluttering a drawer (and symbolically, my life).
A visit to a museum or gallery.
Enjoying a good meal at home —because romance doesn’t always require a reservation.
Discovering a new coffee shop.
Places of transit: airport, train station- —those in-between places where everything feels possible.
Buying & reading a magazine (fashion, design, architecture).
Taking photographs with my Fuji, collecting light like it’s currency.
Going to a Saturday flea market and finding old ceramics.
Being a tourist in my own city: city stroll, coffee, library visits and more than 12000 steps.
A night at a nice boutique hotel.
Creating a digital collage.
YouTube or a good series—currently watching Gilmore Girls and realizing that maybe coffee isn’t just a drink - it's a happiness generator or at least a loyal companion through it all.
And as I reflect on my list of 20 joys … I can’t help but wonder — maybe joy isn’t something you find. Maybe it’s something you keep noticing, again and again.
Until next time,
Anda