Let’s be honest — this year hasn’t been easy. Whether it’s been filled with personal struggles, global events, or simply the day-to-day weight of uncertainty, many of us have found ourselves carrying more than we expected. But even in the hardest seasons, joy has a way of slipping through the cracks. It might not come in grand gestures or picture-perfect moments, but it’s still there — waiting to be noticed.

Here’s how we can start to find and hold onto those moments of joy, even in the midst of a challenging year.

1. Celebrate the Small Wins

When the big victories feel out of reach, the small ones matter even more. Did you finally tackle that cluttered drawer? Manage to get out of bed on a tough morning? Reach out to a friend you’ve been missing? That’s worth celebrating. Joy doesn’t always come from milestones — sometimes it’s hidden in the seemingly mundane.

Try this: Keep a “small wins” journal. Write down one thing each day that went right. You’ll be amazed at how those tiny moments add up.

2. Reconnect With What Grounds You

In difficult times, routines and rituals can bring comfort. Whether it’s a daily walk, a cup of coffee in your favorite mug, a quiet moment with a book, or simply taking deep breaths at the start of your day — these little anchors can remind us that not everything is out of our control.

Try this: Make space in your day for a simple habit that brings you peace. Protect that time like it’s sacred — because it is.

3. Find Laughter, Even If You Have to Chase It

Laughter is a form of resistance — a way to reclaim joy when the world feels heavy. Watch a comedy, read something lighthearted, call that one friend who always makes you laugh. It’s not about ignoring your pain, but about balancing it with moments of levity.

Try this: Curate a “joy playlist” — a mix of funny videos, feel-good movies, or songs that lift your mood. Use it when you need a pick-me-up.

4. Practice Gratitude Without Pressure

You don’t have to be grateful for the hard things. But you can be grateful within them. It’s possible to feel grief and gratitude in the same breath — and recognizing what you still have, even in loss, can be profoundly healing.

Try this: Each night, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t need to be deep. “Good weather” and “fresh sheets” count.

5. Let Yourself Feel Everything

Joy doesn’t require you to be happy all the time. In fact, pretending you’re okay when you’re not can block you from real joy. Let yourself feel what you need to feel — sadness, frustration, fear. Joy has a way of finding us when we’re honest about where we are.

Try this: Sit with your emotions instead of running from them. Journaling, talking to someone you trust, or even just naming what you feel can bring clarity — and create space for joy to return.

6. Look for Connection

Isolation can dim our joy. But even small connections — a wave to a neighbor, a comment on social media, a quick text to a friend — can spark something in us. When we feel seen and heard, joy follows.

Try this: Reach out to someone you care about, even if it’s just to say “I’m thinking of you.” Acts of kindness often bring joy to both giver and receiver.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

When life is hard, your inner voice matters. Speak to yourself gently. You are doing your best — and that is enough.

Try this: Write a note to yourself like you would to a friend going through a tough time. Keep it nearby for when you need a reminder.

A Final Thought

Joy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means we’ve found something good — however small — in the middle of the mess. If this year has challenged you, you’re not alone. But even here, even now, there are sparks of light. And you deserve to feel them.

So pause. Breathe. Look around.

Joy is still here. Let’s not miss it.

Have you found moments of joy this year? Share them in the comments — you never know who might need to hear your story today.