The surprising power of ordinary things to create extraordinary happiness
I was gifted this book as joyful is one of my driving forces – I’m always looking for the joy in even the tiniest moments, beauty in the smallest items, the spark that brings out someone’s smile. So for someone to recognize that in me was such a heartwarming moment. And then this book doubled the warm fuzzy factor!
The author gives us reasons WHY certain things bring us joy! As in, there’s actual science and data behind our interactions and reactions.
Ms. Lee defines 10 reasons something could give us joy:
- Energy
- Abundance
- Freedom
- Harmony
- Play
- Surprise
- Transcendence
- Magic
- Celebration
- Renewal
These make up her 10 chapters, so that each one is supported with her research into these areas, stories and studies, and intriguing interviews with academics, designers, scientists.
Along the way she provides real-life examples of how to integrate that element into our own lives and environments so we can experience more joy.
For instance in the “abundance” chapter, she explores how repeating a small item in a pattern can bring about a sense of delight. It could be as simple as a polka-dotted throw on our sofa. Or as involved as a large gallery wall full of small but meaningful photos.
She also takes us deeper into how we might have good intentions with some of these aspects, yet they may not quite be as effective as we’d hoped? One particular example in her chapter on play really shifted my perspective.
Many businesses are putting an emphasis on innovation and creativity by installing what might be called play areas: rock climbing walls, brightly colored rooms with foam mats and building blocks, ping pong tables, and maybe even bean bags chairs. Yet these can often backfire if the culture doesn’t feel psychologically safe, for it takes some vulnerability to freely enter a play mindset, to feel true joy at work might be uncomfortable for some people.
It’s a great reminder for us to be aware of our environments and how they reflect our culture and how we want to be working and living.
It’s just fascinating to me to think what items and environments do bring joy and then how to intentionally do that so we’re welcoming joy and happiness into our lives. What can I do with my environment so I’m more in flow? How can I welcome play and abundance just with a few tweaks to my work space? Take a look at “Joyful” and you’ll have plenty of ideas for work and home!
