Find Your Joy

There is a lot of talk these days about inner work,  shadow work, personal care, and other trauma releasing/healing activities. This is no surprise given the rise in cases of depression. I am in full support of anything that makes you feel healthier and happier. While recognizing and releasing negative feelings, and healing trauma and drama in one’s life is an important step, I would like to also recognize that this is only just a step in the process. This release can feel amazing, especially at first, but then what? Often, we expect that if we can just “let go” of things that we will feel better; that it will somehow “fix” us. However, when we release something there is then a “void” where it once was. What happens if we do not fill that “void” with something? Well, often we can fill empty, unfulfilled about all our hard work, and maybe like nothing was really “fixed” at all. I am not talking about filling empty spaces within with “busy” work without. What I propose is to fill that “void” with things that truly bring you joy. Do you know what sparks your passion? What brings you joy? Maybe you have forgotten, or maybe you told yourself that it these things are silly or you don’t have time for them..? They aren’t, and you should make time for them. Even the little things, like a quiet cup of tea before work or bed, doodling, reading a book, creating something, taking a walk, or nurturing your plants or pets can make a difference. Big things like spa days, vacations you have to save and plan for, sky diving, or camping trips are also good. The important part is that it brings you joy and/or sparks your passion. It is not an obligation, but something you look forward to, and then experience it fully in the moment. If you don’t know what activities make you feel happy this way, then make a list of things that sound like they would and try them. If it doesn’t then cross it off and move on to the next one next time.  I know that journaling/writing is not for everyone, but keeping a log may be quite helpful. Even if it is as simple as a record of the date / activity / how it made you feel. I would recommend, for the first while, taking an empty journal and writing an entry for each day with one thing you are grateful for and ne thing you did to bring you joy. If you miss days, or can’t think of anything put the date down anyway (and maybe an entry of why you could not, regardless of the reason). That way there is a record of the good and the not so good. You might be surprised how helpful knowing both sides can be. No judgement necessary.
So, while you are out there working on yourself and making your inner progress, remember to find the time to welcome joy and passion into your life. Like Greg (Gregisms) on TikTok always says “Find your joy”.