Sunday Chronicles: Finding Joy

Investment Piece: Finding Joy

It’s about the time in the holiday season you’re one of two things: prepared/done shopping/on top of it/relaxed and enjoying time with your loved ones OR stressed/overwhelmed/behind/not done at all.

If there’s an inbetween (and I’m sure that there is), I’m not sure what to name it, as I tend to vacillate between those two extremes. Also, I know that the news and the state of the world can affect even the most prepared of us. It’s a season for joy, but it’s also a season for overwhelm. Perhaps these are all generalizations, but the specifics have rung true to me!

When you’re prepared, whatever that means for you, the season seems easy. But when you’re behind? Finding the joy that this season is supposed to bring is hard to come by. I’m aware that I could tell you to let things go (always a great time for that), or give tips on how I manage holiday magic last minute (but I feel like there are a ton of articles about that, most of which have better advice than I give), but instead what I’m focusing on is finding joy.

No matter how prepared you are, no matter how behind you are, no matter how the world is stressing you there is always room for joy. And while the following may not solve everything (or get your shopping done for you), these are the things that make my joyful during the season.

-Movies
Is there anything better than curling up and watching your favorite holiday movie? From Miracle on 34th St To White Christmas to Die Hard (Yes, it’s a Christmas movie) and everything in between, taking time out to see stories that are joyful brings me joy.

-Christmas Lights
My paternal Grandpa (my PaPa) LOVED Christmas and went all out with lights every year. Getting in the car and driving around looking at all the lights and decorations makes me happy. Christmas PJs and hot chocolate optional.

-Music
Sometimes putting on my favorite carols or music helps calm me down and they bring me joy. A current fave? This rendition of O Holy Night By Irma Thomas:

Of course my usual go-to stress relievers work: workouts, baths, walks, shopping. But when I’m looking for joy, I always try to go beyond those. Tis the season after all.

What do you do to find joy during this season?

Wishing us all a week of joy and amazing shoes! Xo RA