Reconnecting with Joy During Difficult Times
Life is challenging. That’s no surprise. If you’ve clicked here hoping for a fluffy piece, I’m afraid this isn’t it. Life brings obstacles, stress, and those moments where everything feels too much. But even in the absolute worst of days, there are opportunities—small, often overlooked—to reconnect with joy.
Joy Doesn’t Have to Be Big
When we hear the word “joy,” it often feels lofty, like it should be a life-altering moment of celebration. But joy doesn’t have to be capital J-O-Y. Joy can be lowercase joy—a fleeting moment that offers ease or gratitude.
For example:
That first sip of coffee in the morning.
Getting out of bed when your alarm goes off (even if it’s tough).
Finding an empty seat on a crowded train.
Though seemingly small, these moments carry the potential to ground us amidst the chaos.
Finding Joy Through Mindfulness
Mindfulness is one of the most effective tools for noticing joy. It invites us to turn our attention to the present moment—to what is happening right now instead of being swept away by what isn’t.
When life feels heavy, joy might seem distant or unreachable. But joy can coexist with stress, challenge, and even sadness. It’s about shifting our awareness to those moments of ease:
The sensation of warm water on your feet in the shower.
The solid support of your chair as you sit at work.
A kind smile was exchanged with a stranger.
These moments may feel insignificant, but when we give them our attention, they become anchors—small reminders that joy is available to us even in the midst of difficulty.
Why This Matters
Reconnecting with joy doesn’t mean ignoring or bypassing the hard stuff. Stress, pain, and struggle are very real parts of life. But joy is also present, just waiting for us to notice it. By actively turning toward these moments, we balance our perspective and create space for gratitude and resilience.
When we shift focus, we remind ourselves that joy isn’t something we must search for—it’s already here. And when we lean into those small moments, they can help us move through the harder ones with a little more strength and grace.
Your Turn
Take a moment to reflect:
What are some moments of ease you’ve experienced today?
How can you bring more awareness to those small joys in your daily life?
Remember that joy doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful—it just has to be noticed. And if you’d like to explore how mindfulness and therapy can help you discover more of these moments, reach out. Let’s find your anchors together.
Call to Action:
Feel free to share your moments of joy with me in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear how you’re reconnecting with pleasure throughout your day!
