Alright, 2025, I see you! Fresh off the holiday chaos, fighting off winter illness, resolutions buzzing in our heads, and planners looking pristine (for now).
January is almost over, and with it comes the pressure to reset, refresh, and become the best version of ourselves overnight. We tell ourselves this will be the year we drink more water, stretch every morning, and finally become the type of person who enjoys waking up before sunrise. Now, some of this is still true for me as I type this at 3:14 a.m. But let’s be honest—by now, the planner is collecting dust, coffee - or something stronger - has replaced the water, and that morning meditation? Yeah, that’s called hitting snooze. Did everyone make it through dry January? Hold on you're almost there!
But what if we chose joy instead of chasing an impossible checklist? Not the kind of joy that comes from scrolling through online sales (although, no judgment), but real, deep joy that makes every day feel intentional and meaningful. We need this now more than ever!
Your Joy Blueprint in Three Phases
1. Curate Joy Daily
Joy doesn’t just appear—it’s something we cultivate. It doesn’t require extravagant vacations or big life changes (although I'm here for both); sometimes, it’s as simple as playing your favorite song while getting dressed, taking an afternoon walk to clear your mind, or lighting a candle that makes your space feel warm and inviting.
The key is to find small ways to sprinkle joy into your everyday life. Ask yourself: What are the things that naturally lift your spirits? Maybe it’s reading a book or writing in the morning instead of scrolling through emails, keeping fresh flowers in your home, or setting aside ten minutes to have a dance party with your kids - this is my go to.
Building a joy practice doesn’t mean every day will be perfect, but it does mean creating small, sustainable habits that help you feel more present and engaged in your life. And on the hard days? A deep breath, a relaxing bath, a favorite snack, or a rerun of a beloved sitcom can do wundhers.
2. Protect Your Energy
Joy is precious, and if we’re not careful, it can be drained by negativity, overcommitment, and toxic environments. Protecting your energy means setting boundaries and saying no to things that don’t serve you. If it doesn’t bring peace, pay, or purpose, it’s a no. REPEAT TO YOURSELF!
This can look like:
Limiting time with people who leave you emotionally exhausted.
Unsubscribing from emails that clutter your inbox and mind.
Declining invitations that feel more like obligations than joy-filled opportunities.
Setting digital boundaries—less doomscrolling, more intentional engagement.
If something feels like it’s stealing your joy, it probably is. You don’t have to attend every event, answer every text/call immediately or ever, or be everything to everyone. Give yourself permission to conserve your energy for the things and people that fill you up instead of draining you.
3. Reframe the Mundane
We often think of joy as something that happens during special occasions—a vacation, a big milestone, or a rare free day with no obligations. But the secret to lasting joy is learning how to reframe the mundane parts of life so they feel less like chores and more like opportunities.
Hate working out? Call it “main character training” and romanticize the process. Dread responding to emails? Pretend you’re a CEO making million-dollar moves. Washing dishes? Blast your favorite playlist and make it a moment.
Life isn’t just about the highlights—it’s about all the little in-between moments. When we shift our perspective, the things we once dreaded become opportunities for mindfulness, creativity, and even fun.
Instead of rushing through the day waiting for the next big thing, ask yourself: How can I make this moment more enjoyable? Maybe it’s taking an extra minute to savor your morning coffee (or tea for me), adding fresh herbs to your meal to make it feel gourmet fancy, or simply pausing to appreciate where you are right now.
Making Joy a Habit
Expanding joy means making small changes that have a lasting impact. It’s about:
Starting each morning with gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for before jumping into your day.
Practicing kindness toward yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would a best friend. Would you criticize them for needing rest? No? Then don’t do it to yourself.
Building habits that nurture positivity. Whether it’s journaling, moving your body, or simply making time for the things you love, joy grows where it’s planted.
As we settle into 2025, let’s ditch the pressure to have it all figured out by January 2nd, or at this point, January 31. Instead, let’s focus on what actually makes life meaningful. Not perfection. Not unrealistic resolutions. Just joy—real, sustainable, everyday joy and that's the blueprint.
So tell me, how are you choosing joy today?
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