Have you ever noticed how the smallest moments can spark the most joy? It’s those everyday moments that have the power to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary: a smile from a stranger, the warmth of your favorite tea, or the quiet peace of a sunset. These tiny, seemingly insignificant moments can be transformative if we let them — adding up to a life that feels joyful, meaningful, and authentically ours.
I recently picked up Steven Petrow’s book, The Joy You Make, and it reminded me of something powerful: Joy isn’t something we wait around for. It's something we make. And more importantly, it’s something we can create in even the smallest corners of our day.
If you’re anything like me — a woman navigating the second chapter of life, balancing the joy of freedom with the weight of past experiences — you might be wondering how to create more joy without a drastic life overhaul. The good news is, it’s about the little things. Let’s dive into a few lessons from Petrow’s book that I know will help you find joy right where you are.
1. Start Small
Joy is all around us, often hiding in the simplest of things. The trick is to be open to seeing it. Ask yourself, “What small thing can I do today that would make me smile?” Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk, calling a friend, or savoring that perfect piece of chocolate. These tiny, joyful moments can have a ripple effect on your whole day. When you focus on the small pleasures, you’ll start to notice joy popping up everywhere.
2. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude and joy are deeply intertwined. According to Petrow, keeping a “joy journal” where you jot down a few things each day that brought you happiness can be life-changing. This simple practice trains your mind to actively seek out joy. And the more you do this, the more joy you’ll start to find — it’s like flipping a switch in your brain that says, “Hey, life is full of good things.”
3. Spread Joy to Others
One of the best ways to increase your own joy is by spreading it to others. Whether it’s giving a genuine compliment, offering a helping hand, or just making someone smile, joy is contagious. When we share joy with others, it multiplies — you brighten their day, and in turn, yours becomes brighter too. It’s a win-win situation filled with heartwarming moments.
4. Find Joy in the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Too often, we get stuck in the mindset that joy only comes at the end of a big achievement — a job promotion, hitting a major goal, or reaching a milestone. But joy lives in the process, too. Whether you're preparing dinner, working on a personal project , or simply going about your daily routine, take a moment to appreciate where you are, not just where you're going. Joy is in the doing, not just the done.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy Life
Let’s face it, many of us are conditioned to put others first and feel guilty about enjoying life. But joy is your right. You’ve worked hard, overcome challenges, and weathered life’s storms. It’s time to give yourself permission to bask in the simple pleasures of life without guilt. Whether it’s a long bath, a quiet afternoon with a good book, or simply saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve you, let yourself fully enjoy life’s beautiful moments.
Everyday Joy Is Within Reach
As we move into a new season, take a moment to slow down. Notice the joy that’s already around you. It’s not about having more time — it’s about making the most of the time you already have. Petrow’s message in The Joy You Make is clear: Joy isn’t something that happens to us, it’s something we actively create, one small moment at a time.
So, what can you do today to create joy for yourself and others? It could be as simple as sharing a laugh, enjoying your morning coffee, or spending time in nature. The possibilities are endless when we open our hearts to the joy that’s right in front of us.