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Life has a way of pulling the rug out from under us. Some seasons hit harder than others, and when you’re finally catching your breath, joy can feel distant, like something you once knew but can’t quiet reach anymore. It’s not always easy to move forward, especially when grief, disappointment, or burnout are still sitting close by.
But joy doesn’t need to wait until everything is perfect. It can start to return in small, quiet ways, even when things still feel messy. You don’t have to rush it, and you don’t have to pretend your fine. If you’re ready to gently lean back toward the light, these steps can help you start finding your way.
Steps to Reclaim Your Joy After a Hard Season
Here are easy steps to take to reclaim your joy after a hard season.
Give Yourself Permission to Feel Joy Again
After a tough chapter, joy can feel strange or even undeserved. You might find yourself waiting for the next setback, afraid to feel good in case it doesn’t last. That’s normal. Hard seasons change how we see the world, but they don’t cancel out our right to experience happiness again.
Giving yourself permission is a quiet but powerful choice. It’s not about forcing a smile or pretending things didn’t happen. It’s simply about recognizing that it’s okay to feel moments of lightness even when the weight hasn’t fully lifted.
Let Go of Guilt for Moving Forward
Sometimes the hardest part of healing is letting yourself move on without feeling like you’re leaving something or someone behind. Guilt can sneak in, especially if others are still hurting or if you feel like joy means forgetting.
But moving forward doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten. It means you’re honoring your life as it continues to unfold. You’re allowed to carry your love, your lessons, and even your loses with you while still making space for peace, laughter, and hope again.
Reconnect With What Used to Make You Smile
Think back to the things that used to light you up, even in small ways. Maybe it was late-night walks with music, messy art projects, silly shows that made you laugh until your stomach hurt, or slow mornings with your favorite coffee mug.
Joy doesn’t always come from big events. Often, it returns in familiar rhythms, tiny sparks that remind you of who you were before everything felt heavy. Reconnecting with these pieces isn’t about forcing yourself to feel something. It’s about inviting back the parts of you that got a little lost along the way.
Start Doing Small Things That Bring Comfort
Joy and comfort are close cousins. Sometimes when joy feels too far, comfort is the next best step. So start there. Wrap yourself in a blanket that smells like home. Make a meal that taste like childhood. Say no to plans if you’re tired, or yes if you’ve been lonely.
These small choices build safety. They remind your nervous system that it’s okay to soften again. You don’t need grand gestures to heal. You just need to begin noticing what feels gentle and safe, then do more of that, even if it’s just for five minutes at a time.
Be Patient with the Process
Joy doesn’t show up on command, and healing rarely moves in a straight line. Some days will feel lighter, others might bring back the heaviness. That’s okay. The goal isn’t constant happiness. It’s learning to stay open to joy when it comes, even if it doesn’t stick around long.
Be patient with yourself. There’s no timeline for feeling whole again. Let it take the time it needs. In the meantime, keep tending to your spirit in small ways. Keep showing up for the parts of life that feel good, even if it’s only in flickers. Eventually, those flickers grow brighter.
