The Deeper Side of Joy
In my last post, Joy in Progress, I shared how halfway through my joy experiment play, presence, and small joys have brightened my year so far. Along with those lighter moments, I’ve noticed other things I’ve tried that have made a difference. Then, something deeper emerged…
I’ve been exploring more fully how joy and grief can co-exist.
It might sound heavy, but it’s actually been surprisingly freeing. I knew from life that joy doesn’t cancel out grief—and grief doesn’t block joy. But I hadn’t consciously sat quietly to explore how it feels when both are present at one time. How they can sit side by side in the same heart. And how allowing that makes it easier to be more honest about how I’m really feeling.
Sometimes, just holding space for it all is its own kind of peace.
I started writing thank-you letters—just because.
Not for a reply. Just because it felt good. I’ve been writing to people who made a difference in my life—teachers, colleagues, mentors, friends.
The writing itself fills me with warmth and appreciation.
Gratitude can be a quiet kind of joy.
Small acts of kindness are helping more than I expected.
Letting someone go ahead of me in traffic. Especially when they really want to. Giving the hurried person my place in line. There’s something unexpectedly joyful about choosing not to let someone else’s rush raise your blood pressure.
These are small, ordinary choices—but they make me feel better. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about staying grounded and not letting little things steal my peace.
Whether it’s on the road, in line, or in life—I’m learning that small acts of kindness often benefit me just as much (or more) than the person on the receiving end.
If any of this resonates with you…
Maybe try writing a thank-you note to someone who’s made a difference in your life; or simply offer a small act of kindness to someone around you today. Sometimes those simple gestures open unexpected doors to joy.
So where am I now?
There’s still more of the year to go—and a few other joyful experiments I’m planning to test-drive. (Yes, there may be dancing. No—for those who know me well—there will not be spreadsheets.)
And I’m still learning. Still playing. Still discovering what joy feels like in everyday life.