This past weekend we drove to Universal Orlando for Mother’s day. Our drive usually takes 6.5 to 7.5 hours, and I love to listen to audiobooks throughout the drive.
This particular trip, I listened to Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness“. It was recommended from a podcast on motherhood that I listen to and it was fantastic to listen to! I would highly recommend it!
The Book
Through research, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples, Lee demonstrates how color, light, nature, and other everyday elements can bring us joy. She argues that joy is not just a fleeting emotion, but rather a powerful tool that can help us lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Lee’s writing is both engaging and informative, with a healthy dose of humor and wit. She invites readers to join her on a journey of discovery, as she shares insights and tips on how to cultivate joy in our surroundings and in our everyday experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of Lee’s book is her emphasis on the importance of finding joy in the ordinary. She encourages readers to take notice of the small moments of joy in their lives, and try to incorporate that joy daily.
In a world that increasingly values minimalism and sleek modern aesthetics, it’s easy to overlook the simple pleasures that can bring us joy. We’re told that less is more, that decluttering and simplifying our lives will bring us calm and tranquility. But what about the little things that make us happy? The colorful plant on the windowsill, the round lamp that casts a warm glow, the playful patterned liner in the bottom of a drawer – these small details may seem insignificant, but they can bring us a surprising amount of joy. Lee points out 10 specific ways to incorporate joy in our lives through ordinary things.
The Chapters
Each chapter in this book made me want to take small steps to make my home (where I spend nearly all of my time) more joyful. It also made me realize why I love Universal Orlando so much. Nearly every chapter includes points to something at Universal Orlando, and really explains why it sparks so much joy for me!
- Energy: This chapter explores the power of vibrant colors, playful shapes, and lively patterns to boost our energy levels and make us feel more alive.
- Abundance: The chapter on abundance examines how being surrounded by abundance can lift our mood and make us feel more grateful for what we have.
- Freedom: This chapter focuses on the joy of open spaces, movement, and the feeling of weightlessness, which can make us feel free and alive.
- Harmony: The chapter on harmony explores how balance, symmetry, and order can bring a sense of calm and tranquility to our lives.
- Play: This chapter explores the joy of play and how it can foster creativity, connection, and a sense of well-being.
- Surprise: The chapter on surprise examines the joy of unexpected delights and how they can spark our curiosity and make us feel more alive.
- Transcendence: This chapter explores the joy of experiencing something bigger than ourselves, such as the natural world, music, or art, which can give us a sense of awe and wonder.
- Magic: The chapter on magic examines how the use of illusion, mystery, and transformation can create a sense of delight and wonder in our lives.
- Celebration: This chapter focuses on the joy of celebrating life’s milestones and everyday moments, which can bring us a sense of connection and community.
- Renewal: The final chapter explores the joy of renewal, which can come from taking breaks, restorative activities, and opportunities for growth and learning.
What actions I am taking immediately
This book immediately made me want to jump into action to create more joy in my life. Here are some immediate actions I took once we arrived home this weekend:
- Ordered the Black Family Wallpaper to put in our living room. It is on its way now! (for Energy)
- Wrote little secret notes in my girls’ lunch boxes this morning. (for Surprise)
- Look for lighting for Juliet’s bedroom. It is pretty dark, and I think that is why she mostly spends time in the sunroom, hoping to find some fun string lights and maybe some greenery for underneath her bed. (for Energy)
- Look for round chairs to put in both girls bedrooms to allow for better lounging. (for Play)
- Opened the doors from my office to the sunroom to let in more light (for Energy)
- Created a bird song playlist to listen to while I’m working (for Freedom)
- Bought some brightly colored work blouses
- Decided where I will put my Lego Rivendell after completing it
What would you do?
Overall, “Joyful” is a must-read for anyone looking to infuse more happiness into their lives. Lee’s insights offer a roadmap for discovering joy in the ordinary, and her engaging writing style makes this an enjoyable read from start to finish. I think this will be a constant re-read as I continue to infuse more joy into my home and life!
