Finding Joy

I am convinced that happiness is underrated. Or at least in relation to other more material things. Yet, if we were happier I'm sure some of the more material things would become less important. I'm not talking about the basic material needs that enable us to live above the poverty line, but ... oh, I'm probably digging myself a huge hole here...!

Anyway, have you ever stopped and thought what makes you happy? Have you ever consciously decided to then include more of these things in your life? I have to say, it's a lot harder than you would like to think, since so many more hum-drum things seem to constantly get in the way.

What about things that bring you joy? I guess I'd define this as mini happiness, perhaps even a double espresso of happiness - giving you a boost, a tiny lift, a 'hit'? Any idea what this looks like?

Well, Ingrid Fetell Lee has studied joy extensively and I just love what she discovered.

Her talk is under 14 minutes so please watch it if you can find the time. I'm sure it will make you look at things differently, perhaps even help you insert a bit more joy into your life.

I also now know why I prefer round mirrors to square or rectangular ones, why fairy/cup cakes are so much more enticing than a tray bake, why polka dots can seem so much more frivolous than most other patterns, why the cerise cyclamen and orange violas I've just planted in the front garden make me smile, and why I wear dark clothes when I'm feeling down (and probably shouldn't unless I'm determined to wallow!)

Armed with this new knowledge I'm looking forward to a joyful Autumn!