My husband and I love to watch a good documentary at night and recently we have been watching Pole to Pole with Will Smith (National Geographic.) It is absolutely an amazing tour of the extremes of our world from the South Pole to the North Pole! In the 4th episode, called The Secret of Happiness, Will visits the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas, a country that has a national focus on happiness that is measured by something called GNH – Gross National Happiness. In this episode he is guided by a happiness expert to see what makes this country happy and what that might mean to the rest of us, and it really got me thinking! People are getting richer and living longer but our sense of well-being is going down. So how do we get that happiness back into our lives?
How do you find joy? It’s a question that follows us throughout life, especially during the moments that test our strength. Every one of us experiences difficult seasons, but joy isn’t something that disappears when life gets complicated. Often, it grows from the people we trust, the connections we nurture, and the small choices we make each day.
One of the most powerful ways to cultivate joy is by staying grounded in the present. When we slow down enough to notice the simple, fulfilling moments, we give ourselves space to breathe. Practicing gratitude deepens this even further. Acknowledging the things we’re thankful for, even the tiny ones, can shift our mindset and open the door to more joy.
Connection plays a huge role too. Humans aren’t meant to feel isolated; we thrive when we feel a sense of belonging. Sharing food, listening to music, laughing with friends—these experiences create a kind of joy that lingers. For me, gathering with people I care about, enjoying a meal, and letting the music set the mood always fills me with happiness. There’s something magical about shared laughter and the comfort of being truly seen.
Joy also grows when we face challenges with intention. We can’t always control what happens, but we can choose how we respond. Each time we navigate hardship with resilience or openness, we strengthen our capacity for happiness. It’s a reminder that joy isn’t fragile—it’s something we build.
Life is a lot like snow…beautiful, temporary, and always changing. It can melt at any moment, which is exactly why embracing joy will definitely matter!
