What if joy isn’t the reward for a job well done or the finish line we’re running toward, but instead the guidepost that leads the way?
I spent much of my life believing joy was something to be earned—something that came after I achieved a goal, solved a problem, or navigated a particularly challenging season. But over time, I’ve discovered that joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling that punctuates the milestones. It’s a guiding value, one that whispers where to turn next, what to embrace, and what to let go of.
Joy is quiet, subtle even—sometimes it’s as small as Jax, my dog, curled up beside me or the beauty of the morning light catching the mane of a horse. Sometimes it’s a roaring fire in my soul, calling me to leap into something new and unknown.
When I follow joy, I notice that life opens up. Opportunities flow with ease, conversations deepen, and clarity emerges, even amidst chaos. Joy isn’t frivolous; it’s one of the most profound tools we have for navigating a world that constantly demands more from us.
And yet, how often do we dismiss it? How often do we override the pull of joy with thoughts like, “I don’t have time for this,” or, “That’s not practical right now”?
But what if following joy is the practical thing?
As I step into 2025, I’m choosing to lean into joy—not as an afterthought but as a value that shapes my days. It’s the lens through which I’ll evaluate decisions, the energy I’ll prioritize when planning my workshops and experiences, and the gift I’ll give myself without conditions.
For you, this might mean asking a simple question:
“What would bring me joy today?”
Maybe it’s a walk in nature, calling a friend, or making something with your hands. Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to pause—to truly stop and let joy bubble up naturally instead of chasing it.
Joy, I’ve found, is never far. It’s waiting for us in the spaces we allow ourselves to simply be.
