Choose Joy. 

This year has been tough and it feels like we are all just trying to hold on and make it through. Because of this, there seems to be a lack of joy, play, and fun (understandably so). In fact, this year has felt pretty joy-less. Most activities feel like they have a certain purpose or agenda. We stick to our routines because they feel safe. It is harder to be spontaneous and to try new things because we are all just trying to keep ourselves and our families safe.

In an effort to stop taking myself so seriously, lift my spirits, and uplift my environment, I came up with a list of activities that can bring me joy this month. I’d love for you to join me and to leave your own ideas in the comments below! We can be safe and make good choices while also introducing more joy into our lives. 

10 Ways to Spark Joy: 

1. Bake cookies for your friends and family. You can mail them or drop them off at their houses with handwritten notes.

2. Write a thank you note to someone who has helped you through this year. Get specific about what makes them so wonderful.

3. Cook a special recipe virtually with a group of friends or family members. If you can’t be with your family during the holidays, you could cook a favorite recipe over zoom instead!

4. Create a collaborative playlist on Spotify and ask your best friends to each add five of their favorite songs to the mix.

5. Watch one of your favorite funny movies that is guaranteed to make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine.

6. Try a new activity. It could be something creative like knitting or learning to play the guitar, or it could be a new sport or form of exercise. I just started playing tennis and am really enjoying it!

7. Buy yourself a new candle or a bouquet of flowers to uplift your home.

8. If it snows, go outside and play! Make a snowman, go sledding, and make hot cocoa to bring out your inner child.

9. Disconnect from technology and play a board game or do a puzzle. Chess has been my game of choice lately (yes I binge-watched The Queen’s Gambit).

10. Watch the sunrise or the sunset to be in rhythm with nature’s cycles.