Remember When Life Felt Lighter?
Think back to when joy was effortless. It wasn’t something you penciled into your calendar or crossed off a to-do list—it was just there. Midlife can sometimes feel like that joy has packed up and left, replaced by endless responsibilities, hormonal chaos, and the constant grind of “getting things done.”
But here’s the truth: joy isn’t gone. It’s waiting—patiently—for you to make room for it. And the good news? You don’t need a full schedule overhaul to find it again. A little self-care can go a long way in welcoming joy back into your life.
Why Does Joy Disappear in Midlife?
First, let’s give ourselves some grace here. Midlife is no joke, and it comes with challenges that can easily overshadow our ability to feel light and carefree.
Life Responsibilities Are Heavy: Between work, kids, and often caregiving for parents, it feels like there’s no room to breathe, let alone enjoy yourself.
Hormones Are a Wild Ride: Perimenopause, anyone? Mood swings, anxiety, and exhaustion don’t exactly scream “joyful.”
We’re Too Busy “Doing” to Just Be: We’re so focused on productivity that we forget to pause and soak in the little moments.
No wonder joy feels like a distant memory! But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
How Self-Care Creates Space for Joy
Here’s the thing: self-care isn’t about bubble baths and face masks (though, hey, those are great too). It’s about intentionally creating moments that make you feel good.
When you take time to prioritize yourself—whether it’s for 5 minutes or an hour—you’re telling the world (and yourself) that you matter. And that little shift opens up space for lightness, playfulness, and, yes, JOY to come flooding back in.
Think of self-care as the doorway, and joy as the guest waiting to walk through it.
5 Simple Ways to Reclaim Joy Through Self-Care
Ready to let joy back in? Start small. These ideas are quick, simple, and guaranteed to give you a little boost.
1. Dance It Out
Put on your favorite song—the one that makes you feel like you’re 20 again—and move. No rhythm? No problem. The goal is to shake off stress, not audition for Dancing with the Stars. Bonus points if your kids or pets join in for a living room dance party.
2. Get Outside
A 10-minute walk in the fresh air can work wonders. Notice the sound of the birds, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the crunch of leaves underfoot. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us that joy is found in the simplest moments.
3. Do Something Creative
Let your inner child come out to play! Paint a picture, bake cookies, doodle on a piece of paper—anything that lets you express yourself without judgment. Creativity is like a direct line to joy, and it doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect.
4. Reconnect with an Old Hobby
What did you love to do as a kid? Maybe it was riding bikes, playing piano, or reading adventure books. Try revisiting that activity and watch how quickly joy sneaks back in.
5. Indulge Your Senses
Sometimes, joy is as simple as lighting your favorite candle, sipping a delicious tea, or putting on a sweater that makes you feel fabulous. Engage your senses to create tiny moments of bliss in your day.
Your Joy Challenge
This week, I want to challenge you to do ONE thing that brings you joy. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy—just something that makes your heart feel lighter. Maybe it’s dancing in your kitchen, doodling for 5 minutes, or sneaking outside for some fresh air.
Need some inspiration (or a little cheerleading)? Join my Facebook group for ideas, support, and a safe space to rediscover what makes you happy.
Because here’s the thing: Joy isn’t something you find. It’s something you create—and you, my friend, are more than capable of inviting it back into your life.
Now go grab your favorite song, light a candle, and let a little joy back in. You’ve got this. ❤️
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