10 Simple Ways To Find Joy In The Little Things

Finding joy in the little things in life doesn’t come naturally for the majority of us. We’re prone to distractions and discontentment, and unfortunately often miss the beauty of what lies directly in front of us.

The Greek word for joy is “chara”- meaning delight, exhilaration, rejoicing, glee, gladness. We are forever seeking joy and almost constantly missing the mark. Have you ever noticed that the more advanced our society becomes, the more success we achieve, the more things we acquire… the more this little 3 letter word evades us?

Have you ever wondered why?

I’d be lying to you if I claimed to be joy filled mom and wife from the moment I wake up until I lie down each night. However, I’m learning that our pursuit of joy is rarely ever found, not because it doesn’t exist, but because our affections are set upon things that can never truly satisfy.

10 Ways To Find Joy In the Little Things

I’d like to share with you some ways to find joy in the little things that have helped me in my own life when I begin to lose my focus. And hopefully convince you along the way that those little things in life are truly the big things.

After much thought on what to name this blog a couple of years ago I landed on “A Joy Fueled Journey” because joy is undoubtedly the propeller that keeps me moving forward in this journey we call life. I’ve learned firsthand that when we’re fueled by genuine joy- the kind that is not based upon our circumstances, we can weather any storm and find peace amidst the disappointments and chaos.

1. Slow Down

Whether or not we realize it, the majority of us are simply too busy. Society has convinced us that a busy life is a successful life. Although we may believe that our schedules are crammed by default (and not by choice) there’s usually more wiggle room than we realize once our priorities are in line.

I’d encourage you to sit down and thoughtfully write down your priorities (in order) to see if you can remove anything, even if it is just for a break every once and a while. It truly is amazing how exhaustion can wear on our minds and bodies. Finding joy in the small things is nearly impossible when we don’t have time to slow down and even realize they exist.

2. Disconnect

Maybe you don’t feel like your schedule is too busy, but are still struggling to see beauty in the day to day. Over the last decade we’ve become so accustomed (and possibly addicted) to having technology at our fingertips. Did you know that there is a strong correlation between technology usage and stress?

I firmly believe that one of the best things we can do for our families and ourselves is to disconnect from our devices. Leave your phone at home, close your laptop, turn off the TV, and take out the earbuds.

Detaching ourselves from media and technology can do our minds and hearts a world of good. Research has proven that technology can negatively impact the brain, as well as relationships, and cause unwarranted anxiety. Why are we doing this to ourselves?

Please be honest with yourself regarding how much time you’re spending on your devices. The simple act of disconnecting from our tech driven world in order to reconnect with real live people can easily bring about joy.

3. Go For A Walk

It’s no surprise that our bodies need exercise. But it’s not just for the physical benefits. Exercise can play a large role in our mental health as well. Taking a walk outside has repeatedly been shown to reduce anxiety and boost your mood.

Whether it’s a quick 10 minute walk or an hour long hike, simply taking the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us can bring about its own kind of joy.

Greet the morning sun.

Pick some wildflowers.

Listen to the sweet song of a mama bird.

Look at the detailed intricacy of a beautiful butterfly.

Or that insect that seems to be perfectly camouflaged into its surroundings.

Stand in awe of the billions of sparkling stars overhead before you go to bed.

Each of these may be little things, but they are beautiful reminders of a loving God who spoke them into existence- for His joy and for ours.

4. Get Adequate Rest

Our quality of sleep greatly affects our ability to think clearly and appreciate the little joys in life. In fact, there is a link between sleep deprivation and depression. Please do your very best to get adequate rest each night. Develop some healthy habits to help achieve the amount of rest your body genuinely needs.

5. Be Grateful

I appreciate conveniences as much as the next person, but in all honesty they have a tendency to make us less grateful if we’re not careful. We begin to expect things and become frustrated when they don’t go according to plan. Before we realize it we allow those tiny inconveniences and disappointments to steal our joy.

I’d like to encourage you to pause for a moment and take some time to think upon everything that you do have to be grateful for. Write it down. And then add to that list every day. Sweet friend, we’ve got to stop our grumbling and complaining. If you woke up this morning with breath in your lungs and have the ability to read the words on this page you are blessed.

6. Serve Others

Although our culture often attempts to make us believe otherwise, we were actually created to serve each other and not ourselves. Once we begin to take the focus off of us we can clearly see the needs of those around us. Helping others and meeting their needs can’t help but bring about joy- yes for those on the receiving end, but even more so for the one doing the serving.

Serving one another doesn’t have to be an elaborate gesture. Open the door for someone. Offer to carry an elderly person’s groceries for them. Return their shopping cart. Help your neighbor with a project. Provide a meal for the homeless or for a family who just welcomed a baby. Offer someone a smile. It truly is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

7. Find A New Hobby

Overtime, especially in life’s busy seasons, we begin to neglect the little things that once brought us joy. Make a point to dive into something that you are passionate about or would like to discover more of. Take music lessons or a class at the gym. Learn how to knit, refurbish old furniture, or start a garden. Enjoy the outdoors and take up hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding.

Think about your interests and then set aside time to actually pursue them. We’ve each been gifted in unique ways and yet so many of us never take the time to actually tap into those sweet gifts. Not only can they bring us joy, they can also put a smile on the face of those around us.

8. Be A Diligent Worker

Being a hard worker isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when seeking to find joy in the ordinary, but the two surprisingly go hand in hand. It is through our efforts and endurance that we discover the most satisfaction.

Whether you’re working as a corporate executive, sales clerk, or stay at home mom, work to the very best of your ability. Our hard work naturally produces gratitude which in turn produces joy.

9. Remember Life is Short- Find Joy in the Little Things

When we zoom out and look at the big picture, we realize that our lives are merely a vapor on the timeline of eternity (James 4:14). Whether or not we want to hear it, the truth is that our lives here are very short and we have absolutely no idea when we will take our last breath.

What if we not only chose to view every day through the lens of a joyful heart, but took it a step further and made certain that we are also ready for eternity, whenever that day may be?

10. Delight in Your Creator

In our fast paced culture we have become entirely consumed with noise and distractions. We rarely take the time to quiet our surroundings in order to think about what is most important. This may not be exactly what you were hoping for in a post about joy, but the sobering reality is that every single second two people die.

One of these seconds will be our second.

You may have heard all of this before, but it is worth repeating. Friend, you were specifically thought of and created by the maker of the universe. The same God who spoke the majestic mountains and breathtaking sunsets into existence saw fit to breathe life into you.

You are truly loved beyond measure.

But not without sin. Each and every one of us has stepped into this world with a sin problem that we often like to downplay. Our sin separates us from a holy and righteous God. We have all lusted, lied, stolen, coveted, and dishonored our parents among other things and fallen short of God’s glory.

The beautiful thing is that God’s desire for us to understand our sin is not so that He can judge us, but so that He can point us to our need for forgiveness through a Savior- through His Son.

He sent Jesus as a perfect and sinless sacrifice for the sole purpose of dying the death that we deserve. Through His gift of grace we can find true freedom and forgiveness. If we genuinely turn away from our sin and seek his forgiveness then we can rest assured of an eternity spent with Him in Heaven someday.

The moment we decide to follow Jesus we’re given a new heart, clean slate, and a pure and sweet joy that can never be taken away.

What Does It Mean To Find Joy In The Little Things?

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side- in fact it rarely ever is. We are broken people living in a fallen world. Whether it’s financial difficulties, a struggling marriage, strained relationship, or trying children- each of us have trials we’d prefer were non- existent.

A change in perspective can help us find joy in the little things, but there is no greater joy than knowing that you have been graciously saved from an eternity separated from God, and walking each day in the hope of your Savior.