Finding Joy in the Busyness of Life
When life gets busy, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of eat, sleep, work—only to look back over weeks or months and wonder where the time went. Stress, exhaustion, and busyness seem to define our days. But is that truly all there is to life?
Think back. Do you remember the little things—the time your spouse surprised you with your favorite coffee, or when your daughter said she loved walking with you? What about the time you laughed until you cried with a friend? These are the moments that bring joy and meaning, yet they can be overshadowed by the noise of daily life.
This becomes even more apparent during the Christmas season. The flurry of holiday activities, social events, and to-do lists can make it hard to savor the joy and connection this time of year offers. But we don’t have to let busyness steal the season’s magic. Instead, we can pause, reflect, and prioritize the moments that matter most.
The Power of Reflection
Interestingly, what we remember about our lives isn’t always what happened—it’s what we take time to notice and reflect on. Reflection is key to finding joy in the busyness.
Every evening, I spend a few minutes reflecting on my day, making a simple "highs and lows" list. The highs are moments of joy, connection, or laughter. The lows are frustrations or challenges I can learn from. Some days, my notes are just a word or two; other times, they’re full sentences. Periodically reviewing these lists helps me relive the highlights and recognize growth through the lows.
This practice helps me slow down time and focus on the good. It’s a way to ensure I’m not just living but also appreciating and growing from my experiences.
Creating Joyful Memories This Season
The holiday season offers countless opportunities for joy—if we’re intentional about noticing and creating them. If your reflection shows few highlights, think about how you can add more tomorrow.
For instance:
- Do you love sipping coffee on the porch but never make time? Wake up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy it.
- Do you cherish family walks but often let work spill into the evening? Prioritize a post-dinner stroll.
Reflection isn’t just about documenting your days—it’s about shaping your life. By paying attention to what brings joy, you can create more of those moments. And by learning from challenges, you can grow into the person you want to be.
Your Challenge
This week, take five minutes at the end of each day to reflect. Write down:
- Highlights: What brought you joy today? What moments made you smile or feel connected?
- Lows: What felt hard or frustrating? How might you handle it differently next time?
Aim for more highlights than lows. Use your reflections to inspire joy-filled actions tomorrow. Don’t let busyness rob you of the season’s joy. Instead, savor the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of traditions, and the beauty of quiet moments.
Take the challenge to reflect and create moments of joy. May your holidays be filled with peace, growth, and gratitude.
