Kimberlee K.

In my March & April favorites post, I shared the podcast Friday Candy.

At the end of every episode, hosts Ashlyn & Austin share their respective “Joy Report” which is a collection of things that brought them joy that week. These can be anything from fruit, hats, cold drinks in the sun, a new album, a book, compliments from a loved one, etc. Anything that made them smile, brought them joy, and made that week a little more special.

While we’ve all heard the advice to think positively, it’s not always easy. In fact, while going through this 40 Day Joy devotional with a few friends, I found a lot of ways in which I actively turn away from joy that is right there at my fingertips. Whether that’s in the interest of winning an argument, being lazy, or just being plain stubborn.

There are some days that joy isn’t in abundance, sure, and there are some days when negative emotions and experiences need a lot of our attention. But there are also so many days, so many moments, so many little things that, when we take the time to notice hey, this brought me joy, it can make such a difference in our way of thinking.

I have actively been trying to implement a handful of strategies I learned in the book, to better focus on the many blessings available to me every day, and to notice the ways in which my negative thoughts are trying to sabotage my good thoughts for no apparent reason.

So I started doing joy reports with my friends.

Every week, I jump into our group chat with a handful of things that brought me joy, and they reply with their own. It’s a way to keep up with each other amongst our busy schedules, to connect on things we might not otherwise have talked about, and to intentionally put something happy on the calendar.

There have been small things and big things, casual things and deep things, all of which are great reminders that joy is found in so many shapes and sizes, and is often available to us in far more places than we realize.

So if you’re looking for something cozy to chat with your friends about—both near and far, in person and over text—maybe try sharing a joy report.

Because what could be better than getting new ideas for places to look for joy?

What could be better than hearing about things that made those you love smile that week?

What could be better than taking a break from everything else in the world to say hey, here’s something wonderful I found.

Thanks for this, Ashlyn & Austin.

Your jur (if you know, you know) brings me jur.