I find it helpful to check in with joy from time to time: seeing where in your life you are implementing space to feel joy and also reflecting on times that feel joyful.
I was writing in my journal the other day, listing all this things that have brought me happiness recently. I thought I would share it with you below just in case you need some inspiration. Things that have brought me joy and made me smile recently: My dog cuddling up next to me to take a nap.
Watching ‘The White Lotus’ and getting lost in the twisted storyline.
Getting ready for my weekly therapy appointment (yes, I look forward to talking about my feelings now).
Creating new recipes from scratch.
Stuffing my face with the recipes that I have cooked.
Sitting under my electric blanket with a cup of tea.
Stepping into a Yoga studio, knowing I am there just to take part and not teach a class.
Taking a slow, long breath.
Hugging the sh*t out of the people that I love.
That feeling when I finish a really great book - two thrillers that I have read recently - both exceptionally good! (The Villa by Rachel Hawkins and The One by John Marrs)
Cake. Donuts. Biscuits.
Watching old episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and laughing at the crazy lives of these people.
Waking up and knowing I have no plans for the day.
Listening to old school dance tracks whilst taking a solo walk outdoors.
Phoebe in Friends.
Taro bubble tea.
Remembering that dogs exist.
That feeling I get when all the laundry is cleaned, folded and put away. Finally.
Planning a holiday.
Feeling the sand underneath my feet and the sounds of waves on the shoreline.
Watching my plants form and bloom new leaves.
Saying ‘no’ without guilt or shame.
Remembering that I can tell my toxic family members to f*ck off.
Saying ‘thank you’ to the bus driver - now that I live in the North of England, this is acceptable.
Appreciating how far my body has recovered from my skin cancer tumour days.
Waking and baking on a Sunday morning.
That feeling when I emerge from a Restorative Yoga cocoon.
Working at the wonderful Yoga Kula (Leeds).
Smiling at clients who regularly come to my classes (IRL & online) - you will never know how much I truly appreciate you.
Dancing to a tune that I love.
Walking. Walking and talking with my boyfriend.
Eating popcorn at the cinema.
Washing my hair and rinsing it with apple cider vinegar.
Love.
Kindness.
Friends.
Laughter.
What are some of the things that have brought you joy recently?