I really believe that collecting moments of joy will brighten up my life. Your point about the difference between writing down gratitude vs writing down joy really resonates with me. Recognizing, looking for and writing down our feelings of joy, I think, will help us get more in touch with our other feelings as well. I'm feeling excited to get started to being more observant and recognize those moments. Thank you for sharing your "joy" with us!
, I love how clearly you named this. You’re already doing the work just by noticing the distinction.
Gratitude is often mental. Polite. Well behaved.
Joy is embodied. Felt. Sometimes sneaky. It shows up in the body first, not the brain.
When you start collecting joy, you’re training yourself to feel again. Not just the pleasant stuff, but the full range. Joy opens the door. The other feelings follow because you’re paying attention instead of bracing.
And that excitement you mentioned? That’s not motivation. That’s recognition. Something in you already knows this is true.
Go gently. Be curious. Let joy tap you on the shoulder instead of turning it into a chore.
you nailed it (again ) when you said... a woman who lives in service to her soul. That's the path I've been walking but didn't realise… Thank you for the clarity😍
I like to try this out I realise I often overlook the emotional aspect of everyday moments . I think you have made me to think and stop & recognise and using the “f” word Feelings . What brings me joy? Is a good question to ask myself especially going through some major challenges.
I love that you're willing to explore this, especially during a challenging season. It takes real courage to turn toward the emotional layer—so many of us have been trained to skip right over it. But that “f” word? Feelings? That’s where the gold lives. Asking “What brings me joy?” isn’t about chasing happiness. It’s about starting to notice what stirs something true in you. Even a flicker counts. That flicker is life saying, I’m still here. Keep going—you’re on to something.
No question, but so glad I signed on, I have been trying to find my joy again and was at a loss as to how to begin.
I am so glad you signed on too! I look forward to hearing about collections of joy!
I really believe that collecting moments of joy will brighten up my life. Your point about the difference between writing down gratitude vs writing down joy really resonates with me. Recognizing, looking for and writing down our feelings of joy, I think, will help us get more in touch with our other feelings as well. I'm feeling excited to get started to being more observant and recognize those moments. Thank you for sharing your "joy" with us!
, I love how clearly you named this. You’re already doing the work just by noticing the distinction.
Gratitude is often mental. Polite. Well behaved.
Joy is embodied. Felt. Sometimes sneaky. It shows up in the body first, not the brain.
When you start collecting joy, you’re training yourself to feel again. Not just the pleasant stuff, but the full range. Joy opens the door. The other feelings follow because you’re paying attention instead of bracing.
And that excitement you mentioned? That’s not motivation. That’s recognition. Something in you already knows this is true.
Go gently. Be curious. Let joy tap you on the shoulder instead of turning it into a chore.
I’m so glad you’re stepping into this with me.
you nailed it (again ) when you said... a woman who lives in service to her soul. That's the path I've been walking but didn't realise… Thank you for the clarity😍
I like to try this out I realise I often overlook the emotional aspect of everyday moments . I think you have made me to think and stop & recognise and using the “f” word Feelings . What brings me joy? Is a good question to ask myself especially going through some major challenges.
Thanks
I love that you're willing to explore this, especially during a challenging season. It takes real courage to turn toward the emotional layer—so many of us have been trained to skip right over it. But that “f” word? Feelings? That’s where the gold lives. Asking “What brings me joy?” isn’t about chasing happiness. It’s about starting to notice what stirs something true in you. Even a flicker counts. That flicker is life saying, I’m still here. Keep going—you’re on to something.
I am so glad that I joined Substack just a few weeks ago, for I would never have met such helpful and lovely people like you, Monica.
My life fell apart last year, but with your help, I know this year will be so much better!