The biggest thing I’ve learned.
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that joy looks different for everyone, and that’s totally okay.
If you scheduled one “joy appointment” this week, what would it be?
Somewhere between responsibilities, expectations, and trying to be everything for everyone, I realized I had quietly stopped doing things that actually made me feel alive. I was checking boxes but not filling my cup. Have you ever found this to be true with you? That shifted when I finally stopped waiting for the “perfect time” and just let myself enjoy simple things again. For me, that means grabbing a paddle and playing pickleball with people who don’t take themselves too seriously, or heading out on a quiet hike where the only noise is my footsteps and whatever nature decides to throw my way. Those moments remind me that life isn’t only about getting stuff done — it’s also about actually living while we’re here. Moving my body, laughing a little too loud, and breathing in fresh air has a way of clearing my head and taking the edge off whatever stress I walked in carrying.
What caught me off guard was how much those small moments started spilling over into the rest of my life. I found myself a little more patient, a little more creative, and honestly just easier to be around. Pickleball brings out my playful side — the part of me that forgets about deadlines and just enjoys being around a great community of people. Hiking slows everything down and reminds me to notice the good stuff that’s always been there. These things aren’t extras anymore; they’re what keep me balanced. I used to think, as I am sure some of you do, that I had to grind nonstop before I deserved a break, but now I see that doing things I enjoy actually gives me the energy to handle everything else better.
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that joy looks different for everyone, and that’s totally okay. Maybe for you it’s painting, working in the yard, blasting music in your kitchen, or just sitting quietly with a good cup of coffee and no guilt attached. Whatever it is, don’t overthink it — just do something that makes you feel like yourself again. Life doesn’t have to be nonstop hustle to matter. When I make room for things that fill me up instead of wear me down, I feel more grounded and more like the person I want to be. So if you take anything from this, let it be this: make time for joy on purpose. It’s not selfish — it’s how you keep going strong.
Be beautiful, be positive, and have a wonderful day!
