Choosing Joy in Everyday Moments
Today, I had one of those little moments that stopped me in my tracks. I went in to buy a pair of earrings ( I needed another pair of earrings like I needed another hole in my ear!) and the manager who could have easily leaned into sales tactics was refreshingly genuine. He didn’t try to convince me to buy something I didn’t need. He was simply honest, straightforward, and kind.
It wasn’t a dramatic encounter, but I walked away smiling. I was happier with his honesty than with a pair of earrings that I didn’t need or suit me! That small interaction lingered with me the rest of the day, reminding me how good it feels to meet honesty and authenticity in a world that often feels noisy and pressured.
I’ve always thought of myself as a glass-half-full kind of gal, but lately, I’ve been practicing being more intentional about noticing these small wins, the fleeting, ordinary joys. Because life is heavy at times. There’s no denying the tragedies and losses that unfold around us, and I don’t want to dismiss those realities. But I also don’t want them to eclipse the moments of joy that are still here, waiting to be noticed.
That store interaction became my answer to a question I’ve been practicing: “What brings you joy today?”
Some days, the answer is big: a reunion with a childhood friend, a birthday celebration or traveling to a place that you have always dreamed of! Other days, it’s small: buying sunflowers, feeling soothed and relaxed after a warm shower, or making my morning coffee with oat milk that foams just right. Joy doesn’t always have to be loud; sometimes it’s found in the tiniest details.
This question has even shaped the way I approach food and my body. Intuitive eating, at its heart, is about tuning in—to hunger, fullness, satisfaction, and yes, joy. The crunch of a crisp apple, the smell of fresh bread, and the permission I give myself to savor a chocolate cupcake without guilt are often joy-full moments! Food isn’t only physical fuel—it’s emotional nourishment too. When I allow joy to be part of my eating experience, I notice how it helps me build trust with myself and my body.
What’s beautiful is how this question grows with us. In young adulthood, joy might look like late-night pizza with friends, celebrating independence, or trying something new for the first time. In midlife, it might mean slowing down—family meals around the table, honoring traditions, or allowing yourself to lay down on the couch and take a nap, finally listening to what your body needs instead. Our definitions of joy shift with each stage of life, just as our relationship with food and body shifts.
It’s easy, especially in times of change, whether you’re moving into adulthood or navigating the transitions of midlife, to feel untethered. To lose sight of ourselves in the busyness, the expectations, and the noise. But asking “What brings me joy today?” can be a way of re-centering. A reminder that joy is grounding and necessary.
So today, I’m grateful for that store manager who chose honesty over pressure. For the reminder that joy doesn’t need to shout; it often whispers. My hope is to keep noticing those whispers: in food, in relationships, and in the everyday rhythms of life.
And now I’ll turn the question to you: What brought you joy today? As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, I’m here to support you. If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to reach out at rachel@livehealthynyc.com.