Awakening to Joy
Melanee invites us to join her in Breath of Joy from Lincoln Park in Chicago at the Honeycomb where she teaches yoga all summer on Mondays & Wednesdays.
Finding joy in the Small Corners of Life
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about joy, especially as we move through the rhythms of our everyday lives and experience unexpected change, difficult times, and even trauma. In our culture, we’re often told that joy is something to be found—something we need to chase after in big, glamorous moments or material possessions. We are led to believe that true happiness comes from Instagram-worthy experiences, big life milestones, or the latest shiny thing we think will fill that void.
And don’t get me wrong—those moments can be joyful. I’ve had my fair share of beautiful milestones and unforgettable experiences that made me feel like I was floating on cloud nine. But as I reflect on my life, I realize that joy is most often found unexpectedly, in the small corners of our days and lives.
The Hidden Power of Everyday Moments
Think about it. How many of us have experienced those quiet, intimate moments—a great chat with a dear friend, the soft light of an afternoon sun streaming through the window, or the simple joy of reading a good book while wrapped in a cozy blanket? These little moments may not be captured in photos or shared on social media, but they carry a depth and meaning that is often more enduring than any picture-perfect event.
Yet, our culture often tries to sell us the idea that we need to buy into something grand to experience joy. We’re told that happiness is about owning the right things, achieving major goals, or having those “once-in-a-lifetime” moments that are worthy of a thousand likes. In reality, though, these times are often laden with stress, overwhelm, and even financial strain. They come with a pressure to perform, a fear of missing out, or an expectation that this one moment should be everything we ever dreamed of. And while the joy from those events is real, it can quickly fade when the reality of life, like exhaustion or post-event letdown, sets in.
I’ve come to understand that waiting for those big moments, or putting all of our expectations into them, robs us of the daily joys that are already there, quietly waiting to be acknowledged. By focusing only on the big events, we overlook the simple, grounding moments that fill our lives in between. These daily joys—peppered with the bigger, more significant moments—are what thread together a meaningful story.
When we begin to wake up to the joy that is present in the small corners of our lives—whether it's a walk in the park, a heartfelt conversation, or a quiet moment of solitude—we unlock a deeper connection to ourselves and to the world around us. And I believe this is why we are here. We’re not just here to chase the big, flashy moments. We’re here to experience the beauty, connection, and gratitude that exist in the simplicity of everyday life. When we learn to celebrate these moments, we create a fuller, richer life—one that isn't dependent on the grandiose, but instead on the meaningful, often hidden, joys that fill our days within us.
An Invitation to Pause
So, as I move through my own days, I try to pay attention to the little things—those simple moments that often go unnoticed. And when I do, I’m reminded that joy isn’t something I have to seek out; it’s something I can experience right now, in the here and now within me. It’s in the laughter with a friend, the calm after a deep breath, the stillness of the morning light. This is where true joy lives—quiet, humble, and always ready to be embraced.
What brings me joy?
Watching my daughters thrive and flourish in their own lives.
Teaching yoga outdoors.
Going to the farmers market and cooking healthy food in my kitchen.
Connecting and communing with other women.
Taking my dog Luna to the beach.
I encourage you to pause today and notice where joy is quietly waiting for you in the small moments. Let’s shift our focus from seeking joy in the big, shiny events and start finding it in the spaces in between. Because it’s these daily joys that, over time, create the life we truly want—a life filled with meaning, connection, purpose, and a deeper understanding of what it really means to be alive.
Be present, be joyful,
