I’ve been thinking about joy and happiness lately. If we want to enjoy a flourishing life, we need to actively move toward joy. One tool that can help is a joy list.
A joy list is sort of like a bucket list focused on the kinds of things that bring joy to your heart. A joy list helps us remember what makes life worth living. It’s a beacon guiding you back to what’s important when you find you’ve drifted into the blahs or been blown off course by troubles and grief.
So I ask you:
- What fills you with delight?
- What activities, events, people, or things bring you joy?
- What moments of connection, inspiration, or beauty make the day worth living?
Those are the kinds of things that belong on a Joy List. Below are some of my answers to those questions. I hope my list inspires you to create your own.
My Joy List: “What Brings Joy to My Soul?”
- Sunshine
- Shared laughter
- Playing with my grandsons
- Snuggles with my cat
- Getting lost in a good book
- Watching talented actors in a good play
- Getting feedback that my words made a difference to someone
- Witnessing a random act of kindness
- Shared moments with my husband in an activity we enjoy
- Making someone smile with a small act of kindness
- Air-directing while listening to great music.
- Celebrating life milestones with friends or family
- Brainstorming with my critique partners
- Savoring foods I love
- Hearing my son’s voice when I answer the phone.
- Discovering new places
- A walk in the woods, surrounded by nature
- Watching light bulbs go on while teaching
- Puttering on a craft project
- Bright, cheery flowers (outside and inside)
- Learning new things that interest me
- Solving a puzzle
- Hearing the audience laugh at my jokes
- Playing boisterous group games during family get-togethers
- The quiet of my home after being out in a crowd
Simply reading through my joy list helps me reset my focus and reminds me of all I have to be grateful for.
It’s your turn
One of the benefits of creating a joy list is you can boost your mood just by thinking up what to put on the list. Try it!
A couple of hints as you compile your joy list.
- Consider my answers from multiple angles: people, activities, interests, hobbies, senses, your environment, etc.
- Think beyond the superficial answers (eating chocolate) to deeper ones (seeing wonder on a child’s face). Both bring you glimmers of joy.
May your joy list encourage and inspire you in the days and weeks ahead.
