Small Moments of Joy

Every fleeting moment of happiness holds a clue about what truly brings us joy.

We often think of joy as something loud, like full-on belly laughs, the kind that make your sides ache and leave you gasping for air. And yes, those moments are magic. But joy doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it whispers.

Often, we experience a spark of happiness, acknowledge it in passing, and then move on, forgetting to capture the details that made it special.

Next time you feel a flicker of joy, try to pause and reflect:

• Who were you with?
• Where were you?
• What were you doing?
• What was the weather like?
• What were you talking about or thinking?

These small details matter.

Maybe it was someone whose presence lights you up.

Maybe you felt completely safe, seen, and at ease.

Maybe it was the simple joy of sunlight on your face or the comfort of being warm while rain tapped at the windows.

These aren’t just pleasant memories, they’re data.

They tell you what fuels your spirit.

And noticing them is a quiet act of self-awareness.

These reflections are breadcrumbs, gently guiding you back to your values, your needs, your joy.

Recreate the conditions. 

If you felt joyful on a walk at sunset with a podcast you love, do it again. Make it a ritual.

Protect what matters. 

If certain people bring out the best in you, carve out time for them intentionally.

Build micro-moments of joy into your day. 

Light a candle you love. Put on music that lifts your mood. Watch the birds out the window.

Say yes to what feels good, and no to what drains you. 

Even small boundaries can protect your energy and create space for joy.

Create a joy list. 

Keep a running list of little things that make you feel good. When you need a lift, turn to it.

These aren’t grand gestures. They’re quiet decisions to notice, to honour, to return to what matters.

Joy might not always be big and bold.

Sometimes it’s subtle.

But it’s always worth paying attention to.