Discovering joy in daily living
As I write this, I can’t help but wonder: “Is there really another life beyond this everyday existence?”
It’s easy to think so, isn’t it?
We often find ourselves waiting for a different moment, longing to be somewhere else or engaged in something more exciting.
We spend a significant amount of time waiting—for the weekend, for something better, for a vacation, or for events that promise more excitement.
I haven’t yet shared my experience with loss and grief. It feels surreal to realize that it’s been over a year since I lost my grandmother. Putting such feelings into words is challenging. Yet, I can honestly say that on that day, when my heart shattered into countless pieces, I understood something profound: this is it, this is reality. There’s nothing that makes life feel as “real” as the loss of someone dear.
This year, I vowed to stop taking time for granted—it is incredibly precious.
You could spend your life saying: “I will be happy when I [fill in the blank].”
Or, you could learn to find and create joy even in the simplest, most mundane moments.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOURSELF IN EVERYDAY LIFE
CULTIVATE A GRATEFUL HEART
Gratitude is one of the quickest paths to change your life. It’s not just about “thinking” about things you’re grateful for; it’s about genuinely feeling it, experiencing those moments as if seeing them for the first time. Practicing gratitude leads to transformations in your brain. As you engage in gratitude, you strengthen neural pathways that reshape how you perceive your life.
Developing gratitude is akin to training your brain to recognize the positive aspects in your life. Unsure where to begin? Consider starting a gratitude journal. Write down five things you are thankful for each morning, and as you wind down at night, reflect on moments that brought you joy. Books like this or this can help guide your gratitude practice.
EMBRACE LIFELONG LEARNING
Seek joy in the act of learning. It’s never too late to pick up something new or venture into unfamiliar territory.
When was the last time you experienced something for the very first time?
Become a lifelong learner. Explore anything from a new language or photography to sports, reading, or knitting.
Don’t shy away from personal growth.
You might uncover a hidden talent, ignite a newfound passion, meet interesting people, or even find your soulmate. Discover what delights you and fuels your spirit. Chase that bliss every single day. If you haven’t found it yet, continue searching. There are aspects of life that can only be learned through experience, not from a classroom or book. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond—it’s always the right time to begin.
PRACTICE PRESENCE
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Many of us tend to dwell on our future or revisit our past, often with regret. If you pause to think about it, THIS moment will never occur again. You can never return to “now”; your “now” continually unfolds in the present.
Whether you’re enjoying a good book, sipping your morning coffee, or spending time with loved ones, strive to be fully present. Even in a simple Monday night dinner, savor every bite and relish each smile. Those ordinary days can reveal extraordinary moments. The secret lies in being present—freeing your mind from judgment in every thought. When you can release worry about the future and stress about the past, you realize that all you ever possess is the now.
I often say that mindfulness flourishes in the kitchen—it’s an ideal space to practice being present.
Gossip, complaints, and negativity are a part of life, but they shouldn’t define your interactions. In the past, gatherings with friends often included complaining and gossiping, and I found this acceptable. However, I’ve learned that surrounding myself with people who exhibit chronic negativity drains my energy and uplifts my mood.
Once you become aware of your energy and that of those around you, you will start to seek out uplifting individuals—people who inspire joy in your life.
Your life is your narrative, and you have the power to edit it as you please. If someone negatively impacts your life, it’s okay to consider removing them from your circle. Prioritize your well-being; seek relationships with those who lift you higher, who fill your life with laughter and positivity.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
Don’t hesitate to cherish yourself and acknowledge your worth; self-love is vital for your happiness. Regularly engaging in self-care can help you feel calm, relaxed, and confident in pursuing your goals. Dedicate time just for you. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, like a spa day—a five-minute face mask or a refreshing walk can suffice. For more ideas on solo activities, check out this post.
MASTER THE ART OF LETTING GO
Release what you cannot control, including circumstances or things that no longer serve you. Life can be challenging, with unexpected difficulties that arise; however, even failures—big or small—are opportunities for growth. Learn to take those lessons with you while moving on from your past.
Wasting energy on past regrets or future worries is counterproductive. Embrace the practice of letting go, including the ability to forgive not only others but yourself.
Let go and keep moving forward.
This is especially important for those trivial matters that can easily disrupt our days; don’t let them dictate your mood.
EMBRACE STILLNESS
“Muddy water let stand becomes clear.” ~ Lao Tzu
Take a moment to listen to your thoughts and feel your breath. You run continuously—working, caring for others, meeting deadlines, and managing chores. Even just for a few moments daily, strive to be still; resist the urge to think about what still needs to be accomplished. When life feels overwhelming, each day blurring into the next, take a moment to pause and just be present. Listen to the world that surrounds you.
A familiar joke comes to mind:
A man sits on a train, his Guardian Angel nearby.
As he gazes out the window, he mumbles, “I can’t stand any of this. My wife drives me crazy, my boss is foolish, my job is pointless, and I detest my life. I’m sick of it all.”
The Guardian Angel, listening in, scratches their head and thinks: “Well… these are peculiar wishes, but I must fulfill them.”
Be mindful of where your thoughts dwell—what captivates your mind and what you verbalize. Avoid dwelling on negativity or undesirable situations. Focus more on what brings you joy, aspirations you wish to achieve, and experiences that you love. Anchor your words and thoughts with intention.
Remember that even the most ordinary days can transform into the happiest of days.
