Sprinkle More Joy In the New Year
A year ago, I set a simple theme for myself: creating more joy in my life. Some things I tried worked better than others, and I ended up with a collection of ways to reach for joy. This works really well for me because I can choose what feels right in the moment. Once I started tuning in, I noticed how often joy shows up in simple, unexpected moments sprinkled throughout the day — and how much of it was already around me.
Today, my outlook is brighter, I feel a deeper, more enduring sense of joy, and some of these practices have become daily habits that help me grow and stay positive.
I’ve found that — joy isn’t something that just happens — it’s something we notice, create, and share.
Here are a few simple ways to keep cultivating more joy in your life, inspired by the practices I explored last year.
Notice joy in everyday magic — a sunrise, shared smiles, or any little thing that makes your heart sing.
Celebrate progress — small wins matter; you don’t need to be perfect.
Pause, breathe, and reflect — quiet moments are tiny doorways to inner joy.
Create small rituals — a favorite song, a cup of tea, a short walk, or anything that brings you delight each day.
Smile, play, laugh, and let go — and don’t be afraid to laugh at mistakes or that inner chatter; humor is a fast track to joy.
Connect with others — share a story, a word of gratitude, or a small act of kindness.
Allow yourself to feel tender or sad — joy can live alongside all emotions.
Want to try some of the practices from last year again? I’ve gathered links to my blog posts on the topic if you’d like to dive back in.
And whenever you need a little lift, breathe deeply, laugh freely, and look for magic in the everyday — it’s waiting for you.