15 Ways To Find Joy In Life Again

Let’s face it – this journey we’re all on called life is a true roller coaster.

Many of us have gone through difficult times and we don’t feel as joyful as we did when we think back to our younger years.

So, if you’re wondering how to find joy in life again, that’s exactly what we’re digging into today.

Before I get into the strategies that have helped me create joy in my life, let’s first understand the meaning of joy…

What’s The Difference Between Joy and Happiness?

When you think about it – you may feel they are the same thing. You’ll also find many definitions online about the difference. My favourite, however, is from BetterHelp. 

They describe joy vs. happiness as a feeling vs. a destination. 

“… happiness is something to work towards in your life; it’s an end goal or destination.” 

Whereas, “joy is a momentary affect or fleeting feeling. These feelings are triggered by something specific, such as getting good news or receiving an act of kindness.”

Due to joy being linked to a feeling, the good news is we can have control over this feeling, and seek out new ways to bring joy into our daily lives. 

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How To Find Joy In Life Again: 15 Strategies I’ve Used

If you struggle to find your joy and happiness, here are some strategies I’ve personally used when going through my journey of infertility and depression these past few years.

1. Find Joy In The Little Things

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, and it’s easy to say – but it can take work.

The aim here is to actively seek out life’s simple pleasures in your everyday life. Little things that make you smile and bring on feelings of joy.

This might be:

• The sound of birds chirping
• Going for ice cream with the family
• Cuddling with your pup
• Funny movies

I encourage you to make a list of your favourite little things. Once you’ve done this, make a point of exposing yourself to these little moments of joy every day.

3. Bring Some Nostalgia Into Your Life

What comes to mind when you think about happy times from the past?

• A BBQ with the family
• A campfire with music and marshmallows
• Sunny days swimming
• Listening to music blasting in the car on a warm summer night
• A cozy night in, playing board games 
• Summer fun at a theme park

These are a few of mine – what are yours?

Now think about how you can bring these nostalgic feelings back into your life today.

4. Spend Time on Things You Truly Love

As kids we spend a lot of time playing games, exploring, and doing what we love – cause, well – why not? As a kid, isn’t the whole point of our day to have fun?

However, when we become adults this prioritization of fun seems to go on the back burner for many of us. We want to have fun but never seem to get around to making it happen.

Somehow, chores, bills, work meetings, and everyone else’s happiness can become a focus. 

Well, let’s stop this and create some space for the things you love too – whatever they might be.

Croqueting, painting, listening to audiobooks, running, playing music, baking, writing, etc.

5. Create New Experiences

It can be hard to find joy if you’re doing the same thing day after day. When you create new experiences you have something to look forward to.

What new experiences am I referring to?

Well, these will be different for everyone, but let me share some ideas…

• Organize a family potluck or BBQ – make it annual for something to look forward to every year
• Set up or join a book club (or wine club – or whatever club) with neighbours or friends
• Join a weekly dance class
• Sign-up for pottery classes
• Create a new tradition with family – Sunday night family dinners

8. Make Time for Spiritual Growth

Whatever you believe, look for ways to dedicate time to practicing your faith or spirituality. This might be as simple as:

• Reading religious scripts/verses
• Learning about a new religion
• Creating space for journaling
• Meditation

9. Think About What You Want

What do you think would be meaningful in your life?

Perhaps you already have it?

• A family
• Career
• Strong values that you stand by

If you feel you don’t have it, brainstorm 2 things…

• One: What do you already have that you wanted so badly in the past?
• Two: What do you want to create in your life? What steps can you take today to work towards this?

10. Create Space For Contentment & Meaning

We live in a culture of wanting things and as soon as we have them we just want the next shiny object. Well, I’m sure you’ve realized that those things don’t bring true joy.

So, instead of seeking out more and more and more, think about how you can be content with what you already have. This is very similar to practicing gratitude as we talked about above. 

With contentment, however, I want to highlight the focus on not seeking out more.

Is that 50% sale on dresses really what’s going to bring you joy? Maybe. But if not – do your best to walk away – and instead reflect on something else in this list and in your life.

You know those people in life that always make you laugh, make you feel loved and important? Spend more time with them and less time with toxic individuals. 

The goal isn’t to have a lot of friends – especially if those friends make you feel bad at the end of seeing them. Quality friendships, however, that fill you with joy are where it’s at.

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said that… 

“We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.“

So, make sure you’re giving yourself the gift of positivity.

15. Become a Pet Parent

My crazy dog gives me so much purpose and joy in my daily life. 

Just check out this beautiful letter and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about (if you don’t already)…

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A post shared by Good News Dog (@goodnewsdog)

My dog’s goofy mannerisms, warm snuggles, and pure excitement to see me, even if I just leave the house for 30 seconds to put the garbage out, never get old!

Struggling To Find Joy In Life?

I’ve been there. I understand – and my assumption because you’ve gotten this far down in the article, is that…

You are looking to add more joy into your life and this is such an important step. You’ve identified that you want and are willing to find new ways to find joy.

So, let me ask you this…

What brings joy in your life?

Have a think and share in the comments below to inspire others.

I’d also love to know if you’re going to try any new strategies to create a joyful life. Let me know 🙂

How To Find Joy In Life Again: Final Thoughts

I hope you found some inspiration in this deeply personal post I’ve shared with you today. I have used and continue to use all of these strategies to help me focus on joy every day – even when life gets really hard.

So, hope just one of these tips makes a difference to you.

Here’s to creating a joyful life, every day.