By Jenna Ward, Personal Growth Coach & Reiki Practitioner.
A few years ago, I discovered a book, Choosing Happiness (Stephanie Dorwick). I’d always believed that happiness just happened – or didn’t. It was a revelation for me – that I could choose happiness.
At the time I was in a real funk – scratch that, miserable – feeling lost, sad, resentful, totally disconnected from the me I used to know. What I realised with this book, was that I wasn’t unhappy because of my circumstances, I was unhappy because I was focusing on what I didn’t have, what wasn’t working and fear of the future. No wonder I was miserable.
So, I made a new choice. I chose joy.
I began noticing what felt good, what was beautiful, what was working. I wore bright colours. I sat in the sun. I noticed ladybirds, curious cloud shapes, the kindness of strangers. And as I made space for joy, my sense of happiness grew.
What is joy? It’s a spectrum – a small smile, a burst of delight. It’s colour, sunshine, laughter, birdsong, bubbles, that first sip of coffee. It’s both the little and the big things. It’s what lifts you on a dark day. And it matters. Joy reduces stress, builds resilience, strengthens immunity, deepens connection, and anchors us in the present moment. It’s mindfulness.
Joy isn’t something you earn. It’s your birthright. It’s a sign you’re thriving. I believe. Would there be laughter and music if not for enjoyment? We’re not here just to work and worry – we’re here to enjoy being alive.
So, this month I invite you to notice joy. Start a list. Tune into what lifts and delights you. Share it with someone. Focus less on what’s missing, and more on what’s here, right now.
Joy is available in every moment. We just have to choose it.
As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Maybe even someone else’s, too.
If you’d like to know more, you can find me on Instagram & Facebook – Jenna Ward Coaching.
