Throughout this month, we've talked about friendships that shape our future, choosing a summer state of mind, and having the courage to embrace our next chapter. My hope is that these blogs have reminded you that joy isn't something we find - it's something we choose.
Joy isn't reserved for vacations, promotions, birthdays, or anniversaries.
Joy is built in the ordinary.
So, as we wrap up this series, I wanted to leave you with 25 simple ways to choose joy this season. None of them cost much. Most take only a few minutes. But together, they can help you create a life that's a little lighter, brighter, and more meaningful.
25 Simple Ways to Choose Joy
- Watch a sunrise or sunset.
- Call a friend just to say, "I was thinking about you."
- Eat a meal outside.
- Laugh until your cheeks hurt.
- Put on your favorite outfit - even if you're not going anywhere special.
- Take a walk without looking at your phone.
- Write down three things you're grateful for.
- Try a new restaurant or coffee shop.
- Dance in your kitchen.
- Read a book simply for enjoyment.
- Visit a local farmers market.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Send a handwritten note.
- Spend time with someone from a different generation.
- Play a game with family or friends.
- Drink more water and nourish your body well.
- Take a scenic drive with no particular destination.
- Say yes to an invitation you've been hesitant to accept.
- Let go of one thing you've been holding onto that no longer serves you.
- Do something kind without expecting anything in return.
- Spend time in nature and notice its beauty.
- Celebrate someone else's success.
- Smile more - it really is contagious.
- Tell the people you love that you love them.
- End each day by asking yourself, "What brought me joy today?"
If there's one thing I hope you take away from this series, it's this:
Joy doesn't magically appear when life becomes easier.
Joy grows when we become more intentional.
It grows in friendship.
It grows in gratitude.
It grows in courage.
It grows in choosing the next chapter.
And it grows every time we decide to see the beauty that's already around us.
Thank you for spending July with me. I hope these blogs have encouraged you to slow down, smile more, say yes to yourself, and discover that joy has been waiting for you all along.
Here's to carrying that joy into August. I’m personally looking forward to the August Adventure Series. Let’s do this!
