Finding the Good: 5 Ways to Choose Joy in Challenging Times

As we move through life's challenges, it can be easy to lose sight of joy. Between the busyness of daily life, setbacks in business, or personal struggles, the happiness we crave often feels out of reach. But here's the truth: you deserve to be happy.

Joy isn't reserved for perfect moments - it's something you can intentionally cultivate, even during difficult times. This truth came into sharp focus for me recently while supporting my mom through an unexpected and difficult season.

My mom is in her late 80s and still incredibly active. Walking a mile a day, living independently, and embracing life with energy and gratitude, she's always been someone I admire deeply. But last month, she suffered a major setback: she broke her ankle.

What followed was a series of challenges - a hospital stay, weeks in rehab, and eventually, unexpected surgery. When her doctors told her she'd need to stay off her feet for at least eight weeks, she was understandably frustrated. My fiercely independent, always-on-the-go mom suddenly found herself bedridden and dependent on others.

For someone so self-reliant, this was more than a physical challenge; it was an emotional one. She struggled with her attitude, feeling deeply discouraged and overwhelmed by the situation. As I sat with her one afternoon, we talked about how hard it was to focus on anything good when so much felt wrong. But we also discussed the choice we always have, even in the hardest moments: to focus on what's going right.

On her nightstand was a devotional, and when I picked it up, the day's message was titled "Choosing Your Attitude." It wasn't a coincidence. That moment was a reminder that while we can't control everything, we can control how we respond.

This experience with my mom inspired me to revisit what it means to cultivate joy, even when it feels out of reach. Here are five practical steps to bring more happiness into your life, no matter what challenges you face.

1. Teach Yourself How to Feel Joy

Joy isn't always something we feel naturally - it's often something we create. Even if you're not feeling joyful in the moment, your body knows what joy feels like because you've experienced it before.

Close your eyes and think back to a moment when you felt truly happy. Maybe it was a family celebration, a professional achievement, or a simple afternoon filled with laughter. Visualize that moment as clearly as you can. Who were you with? What sounds, sights, or smells surrounded you?

As you immerse yourself in this memory, notice how your body reacts. Do you feel lighter? Does your energy shift? This exercise reminds you that joy isn't far away - it's a feeling you can tap into, even when life feels heavy.

My mom and I practiced this together. When she was feeling discouraged, we'd talk about her favorite things to do - spending time with her grandchildren (and great grandchildren), enjoying a meal with her friends, visiting someone in need. These small shifts helped her move from frustrations to gratitude. 

2. Write Down What Makes You Happy

Sometimes, in the midst of stress or hardship, we forget the simple things that bring us joy. That's why creating a "joy list" is so powerful.

Take a few minutes to list at least ten things that make you happy. They could be as small as a morning cup of coffee or as big as a family vacation. Writing them down helps you recognize the joy already present in your life.

When you're feeling low, revisit your list. Better yet, take action on one of the items - whether that's calling a friend, enjoying a walk (if you can), or listening to a favorite song.

3. Act on the Things That Make You Happy

It's not enough to know what brings you joy; you have to act on it. One of the questions I asked my mom during her recovery was, "What's one small thing you can do today that would make you feel better?"

For her, it was as simple as getting into a favorite book or getting out of her room to visit with a friend. These small actions might seem insignificant, but they create momentum.

As leaders, we're often so focused on our responsibilities that we forget to prioritize the things that make us happy. Joy doesn't happen by accident - it requires intentional action.

Think about what truly lights you up. Is it spending time with family, pursuing a creative hobby, or getting outside for a walk? Make a list of these activities and schedule them into your week. Action fuels progress, and progress fuels joy.

4. Focus on What's Right

It's easy to dwell on what's going wrong, especially when life feels overwhelming. But shifting your focus to what's right - even in the smallest ways - can transform your mindset.

The people and environments you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your mindset. Negative influences can drain your energy and make it harder to stay focused on the good. 

Take inventory of your surroundings. Are you spending time with people who uplift and encourage you, or are you surrounded by negativity? Do your daily routines support your well-being, or are they adding unnecessary stress?

Surround yourself with positivity - both in people and in practice. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who inspire you. Create a work environment that fosters collaboration and growth. And choose activities that fill your cup, rather than depleting it.

As you do this, you'll find it easier to see the good in your life, even when things aren't perfect.

5. Help Others Find Joy

One of the fastest ways to bring more joy into your life is to share it with others. When you bring happiness to someone else, it creates a ripple effect that lifts both you and them.

My mom, even in her difficult circumstances, found ways to encourage those around her. She'd joke with her nurses, express gratitude to her physical therapists, and visit her neighbors from her wheelchair. Watching her share joy, even from a place of frustration, reminded me how powerful this practice can be.

Look for small ways to brighten someone's day. Write a note of appreciation, share a compliment, or simply be fully present with a loved one. These acts of kindness not only spread joy but also deepen your own sense of fulfillment.

Choosing Joy, Every Day

Joy isn't about ignoring life's challenges - it's about finding light int the midst of them. It's about making intentional choices, even in the face of adversity. My mom's journey through her recovery was a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, we have the power to choose our perspective.

By practicing gratitude, acting on the things that make you happy, and focusing on what's right, you can create more joy in your life. And as you share that joy with others, you'll find it multiplying in ways you never expected.

Remember, you are in charge of your emotions. Every day, you get to decide what kind of day you're going to have. You have the power to choose how you respond to life's challenges.

Choose joy - it's always within reach.