What can you do to make a hard day, or even a hard season of life, a little bit lighter?
When a day, or a season, feels heavy, the power of small joys makes them feel lighter and more manageable.
My Story
In this case, it’s not really “my story”, but the story of my niece via her social media post.
The last two years have been a difficult season of life for my brother and his family.
He has been plagued by a parade of medical issues that started with a wreck.
While they have soldiered on, there are days that bring them to their knees.
Recently, I saw a post on social media of my niece happily carrying in a new Nespresso Machine.
She posted that they were in a season of “small joys” and had convinced their mom to purchase the Nespresso Machine.
Their heavy day had been made a little lighter by the small joy of purchasing something that would bring joy in the days and weeks ahead.
Her post was both a reminder and an inspiration to remember that there is a lot of power in the small joys of life.
What are Small Joys?
Small joys are the little things that make your heart smile.
They may be material, like a new Nespresso Machine, or immaterial, like floating in the pool.
Small joys are not one size fits all, and vary greatly from person to person.
Whatever it is, small joys bring a moment of happiness, a lightning of the load, a sigh of contentment.
A moment when worries are suspended and life is simply enjoyed.
Why Small Joys Matter
Small joys are so much more than fleeting moments of happiness.
They may be small, but they are powerful.
Small joys reduce stress, improve resiliency, boost creativity and help us stay grounded in hard times.
And unlike big joys that require time, effort, money, and planning, small joys can be enjoyed easily and inexpensively.
Psychologists refer to them as “micro moments of positive emotion” that contribute to our mental and physical well-being.
Harnessing the Power of Small Joys
Take Notice
Become an active observer of your own life.
Notice what makes your heart smile, brings you a moment of contentment and breeds happiness.
Be Intentional
Once you’re aware of what truly gives you joy, intentionally pursue those things.
Make the effort to weave them into the fabric of your days.
Banish Guilt
Do not allow guilt to steal your joy.
There will always be something or someone that needs your time and money.
Taking the time to indulge in small joys is an investment in your mental and physical well-being.
Don’t Wait
Don’t wait for a hard day, or a hard season, to take advantage of the power of small joys.
Making time to regularly indulge in and enjoy small joys will ground you for when the hard times hit.
What can you do to make life a little lighter?
Start noticing, be intentional, and let the small joys of life do their powerful work.
********************
Did you enjoy the post?
Check out Micki’s Little Letter
Micki’s Little Letter is my once per week newsletter where I share a weekly post and more.
********************