When was the last time you experienced joy?
When I ended 2022 with severe burnout, an ADHD diagnosis, and a lengthy bout of the flu, I did a lot of reflection (as well as napping and reading).
One thing that struck me was that I hadn’t been making time for joy.
I’d been so fatigued for years that I’d been saving up my energy for work.
To get through the day.
To make it to the weekend.
To pay the bills.
To rest and do it all again.
Sure, I laughed a lot (and loudly at that). I had fun with my clients and work, family and friends when I saw them.
But life was a bit of a slog.
And so, I made it my aim entering the new year to actively seek out moments of joy and creativity whilst also relaxing a bit to prioritise fun and a ‘year of firsts’.
I love this photo and how joyful I look in the moment.
In January, I treated my husband to a pottery date night. And it was so much FUN!
I’d never done anything like this before.
And I thought I’d suck.
BUT
I gave it a go.
Got messy.
Relaxed and embraced the moment.
My brain turned off.
And Den and I had a truly joyful evening.
Opening the door for new things
Ever since then, I’ve gone on to take a watercolour workshop, attend a few BBL cricket matches with my bestie, flown to Adelaide to spend time with a long-time client and friend and a new colleague and friend, revisited drawing, started dog training with our rescue pooch, and more.
Oh, and Den and I purchased a small caravan (it’s been 8 years since we’ve been on a holiday together).
But we need to make the time to live, breathe, be silly, laugh, smell the roses and be joyful.
And the thing is, joy is contagious!
