“Finding joy” has become something of a cultural mantra in recent years, thanks in part to Marie Kondo’s now-famous question: “Does it spark joy?” But joy is far more than a fleeting feeling or the result of tidy drawers. It is a deeper sense of peace and gratitude that can be cultivated in every home, regardless of circumstance or square footage.
Joy from Contentment: “Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.” ~ Anonymous
Contentment begins with gratitude. It is the quiet recognition that even the ordinary moments such as morning light streaming in your kitchen window, the sound of laughter down the hall, or a warm meal shared are gifts. It is a choice.
When we learn to see beauty in what is already ours, joy begins to take root naturally. Our homes need not be perfect or finished; they only need to be lived in with thankfulness.
Joy from Accomplishment
There is joy in the doing. Whether you finally repaint a room, organize a closet, or plant a small garden, the process of working toward something meaningful can fill your home with satisfaction. These moments of accomplishment remind us that effort itself is a privilege, that we can create, mend, and make better what surrounds us. Each small task completed is a quiet celebration of progress.
A simple example of this was the year I re-created a traditional sugared fruit wreath. I spotted a gorgeous wreath with the sugared fruit on the Balsam Hill website, but it was $180. This was the perfect project to thrift! I found a decent wreath and several pieces of sugared fruit. I combined all of this with some berries, pinecones, and blue ribbons for a similar wreath for just $16! Things like this give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Joy by Choice
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” — Henri Nouwen
Joy is a decision. It is a perspective we have the option to nurture even when the day does not go as planned, even when the dishes pile high and the to-do list feels endless. Choosing joy transforms the tone of a home. I was hoping to have an inspirational Christmas cottage DIY project video for you, but either the supplies were sold out, or there was sickness to take care of in the family. Stress mounted as the deadline drew nearer, and nearer. Until I decided to pull the two DIY projects that were coming along and redistribute them into other videos. This kind of life/work juggle is common!
When we approach our days with an open heart and a willingness to see the good, joy has a way of finding us again and again, like sunlight filtering through the clouds after a storm.
Joy does not arrive with a perfect home, a finished project, or a new purchase. It is cultivated daily in small, ordinary ways.
When we practice gratitude, celebrate effort, and make the deliberate choice to see beauty where we are, joy quietly becomes the atmosphere of our home.
Until next time, choose joy!
Rachel
