I don’t usually do the “word of the year” thing, it always seems like too much on top of everything else I do.

But last year I started exploring everyday joy on this blog, and I plan to continue that this year. So I decided that I should embrace the “word of the year” thing – and my word for 2024 is JOY.

Specifically it’s about finding ways to notice the joy I already have, and how to add more opportunities for joy into my life. Whether that’s work, creativity or life generally. Small things as well as larger ones.

I originally described 3 types of joy – quiet joy, loud joy and intellectual joy (see this blog post for more about this). I have subsequently been wondering about adding the joy of connection to that list as it feels important.

So here are my current thoughts on how I’ll find joy in 2024.

Quiet joy

This is my Friday morning walk alone with a camera and a notebook. It’s a well established routine that I fiercely protect in my diary. It falls by the wayside during school holidays but always comes back.

And this blog comes under this category as well – I often get idea or end up drafting new blog posts during or after my walks. If I’m feeling inspired I may draft a few in one sitting. It’s my way of documenting what I’m observing and learning, and sharing it with others who might be interested. 

Loud joy

I’m trying out a singing group. Watch this space to see how that one goes…

Intellectual joy

I’m continuing to promote my 1:1 work with business owners who have a lot of ideas, because I love I talking about new ideas and I love figuring out how to make them happen. And I’m continuing to assess which bits of my other work are enjoyable and which bits I’d like to minimise.

The joy of connection

I realised last year that I don’t have anywhere I go in person and see the same people on a regular basis for more than 30 seconds of conversation. The networking groups I’ve joined look promising so I’ll continue with those. And I’m adding in some weekly volunteering – 2 hours for a local charity, which will involve being around other people and doing something practical and useful at the same time.

So those are my initial plans for a year of joy. How about you?

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I’d love to hear from other people who look for joy in their lives. Maybe I’ll collect some of your thoughts together this year, or do some interviews. Please do comment or send me a message if this sounds of interest to you. 

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay