“What is one thing you did yesterday that gave you joy?”
I heard my husband Travis ask his Zoom room of 7th grade students that question one morning last week. Apparently, this is one of the most common questions he asks them during their daily check-in call. (side note: I’m learning a lot about what an amazing teacher he is, as we've done the work-at-home space sharing dance over these last 6 months).
When I heard his question, I paused. I realized I was deep in thought about all the things I didn’t finish the day before (and furiously running through the day's to-do list) + the endless number of current events to feel angry and fearful about, while sending a worried gaze out the window, wondering how bad the wildfire smoke would be in San Francisco that day.
No joy in that, that’s for sure.
But something I do know for sure is this:
Joy is the medicine we need for these times. (Actually, joy is the medicine we need for ALL the times).
And Travis’ question made me reflect on the joy I DID find the previous day. He also just-so-happened to capture it here in this photo while I carefully picked arugula from our garden next to the first sunflowers I’ve ever grown.
It was a such a simple moment. And it definitely felt joyful. Actually, this entire patch of plant life gives me an irrational amount of joy!
So, even in this endless abyss of uncertainty right now, I hope you can focus on creating some joy. And then take another moment to actively appreciate what brought you that happiness. Every day. (Because gratitude is another medicine we also need for these times).
I suggest starting by asking this question every morning: “What is one thing I can do today to give me joy?”
If what you focus on expands, let’s also expand the good stuff, yeah?
And if you could use some support bringing a little more joy into your life, join me this Thursday night for Breathwork for Joy, a virtual guided breathwork group. We'll laugh, we might cry, and we'll definitely leave feeling a happy breathwork buzz, together.