Joy Finding
/There is a social media trend on Tik Tok and Instagram of people sharing the little things that they do to bring whimsy into their daily lives.
It is so life-giving to read what people are sharing and the comments of people lovingly responding to someone’s quirky whimsical tip.
I am reminded of how we are all just humans looking for levity in a heavy world, we are beautiful souls seeking connection and meaning, and it is possible to find joy right in front of us in simple and whimsical ways.
Here are some that people have shared which might inspire us to be more whimsical in our own lives:
Whenever I approach an automatic door, I wave my hand like I’m casting a magic spell and then when it opens I say to myself, “it works every time!”
I tell my dirty dishes, “it’s bath time!”
I say, “may I take your coats?” while I’m peeling garlic.
When I pull into the garage I say “docking bay one - making final approach - ready for landing.”
I tell my food and drinks, “hold on ladies” when I’m turning sharp corners in my truck.
I always try to remember to write myself a postcard while I’m on a trip - it’s like a little diary entry I can read at home to remind me of my vacation.
I thank candles before blowing them out.
For my own amusement I say “good day officers” and nod when I see pigeons.
I say “my lady” whenever I walk by a mirror.
Whenever I go somewhere important or special or scary, I make sure and wear the bracelet my grandmother left me and as I put it on I tell her “I need you to come with me today Grammy.”
I changed Siri’s voice to a British man and have him call me “your majesty.”
I say, “road trip!” every time I miss an exit while driving.
My husband and I say “yes chef” as we make dinner together.
I say, “congrats team, we made it through another day” when I get into bed at night. It’s just me.
I make my to-do list a Ta-Da list and it feels like magic when I accomplish something.
I have Antarctica pinned on the weather app to check on the penguins everyday.
I tell my hamster not to answer the door for anyone before I leave.
Whenever I see a dog in the front seat of a car I always yell “both paws on the wheel!”
When I feel down, I put on a ball gown, fancy jewelry, put tea in a fancy pot, serve it in my fanciest vintage china teacups, and pretend I’m Lady Bridgerton awaiting afternoon callers.
Sometimes, a couple of hours before bed, I go in my room and turn down the bed, spray a bit of lavender, light a candle, put my water with lemon on my bedside table. Then when I get ready to go to bed later, I walk in and say, “I love turndown service!” as though it is a pleasant surprise.
I say “ouch” whenever something inanimate drops to the floor because they can’t say it themselves.
I say “hi” to the moon because I don’t want her to feel alone at night.
I say goodnight to the moon and stars before I go to sleep.
When I buy something online and it asks “is this a gift?” I write a little message to myself, usually along the lines of, “you are awesome and deserve little treats.”
“Can you hold this please?” when I set my purse on an inanimate object.
I taught my dog to obey completely random words. Ashtray: she sat. Doorknob: she rolled over. Kumquat: she sat up.
When I see a bird, I say “hi friend” I think they feel that energy and tell their friends because I always have more birds visiting me.
When I take my car through the carwash I play her favorite song and go on a joy ride afterwards.
If I want to think negative thoughts about myself I have to think them in a cockney accent.
I say, “thank you” after Google or Siri or ChatGPT helps me with a search.
I have a window between my kitchen and living room. My dogs climb up on my couch and watch me cook through the window so I pretend it’s a cooking show and tell them what we are making today and then explain everything I’m doing. And sometimes they get to eat little pieces of broccoli and carrot while they watch.
My dad referred to Canadian Geese as The Canadian Air Force, so when I see them I tell the gaggle, “thank you for your service.”
When I was a kid and we were in the car with my grandparents, my grandmother would exclaim, “who lives in this beautiful house?!” as we were pulling into her driveway. Then she would compliment her garden, her studio, etc. I do it sometimes when I pull in my driveway now.
I name animals when I drive by them - deer, rabbits, birds, people walking their dogs - and wish them a good day.
When I leave the house I always tell my dog, “no parties while I’m gone” and then laugh so he knows he is 100% allowed to throw parties if he wants.
I listen to French music in my headphones while I grocery shop. Makes it more romantic and less mundane feeling.
I say, “Well good thing no one overreacted!” out loud to myself after a good cry.
I tell my cat he’s in charge when I go to work.
When dusting a picture of someone I say, “tickle tickle!”
I always pat my car after a long ride and I say, “good job, thank you for taking us home safely.”
I wear matching pajamas every time I change my sheets so I can have what I call “fancy sleep.”
When I go for walks, I sometimes walk up to a tree and hold a branch like we are holding hands for a minute so they know they are loved and appreciated.
I sometimes reach to the back of my cabinet for a glass because I feel like they are sad for not getting used as much as the ones in the front.
Every time my plants produce a new leaf or flower, I celebrate them by clapping and telling them they did such a good job and that I’m so proud of them.
I greet my car in the car park after a long day of work and say, “there you are, let’s go home!”
These things remind us that humans are generally good and loving. We have to remember that. And remember that it is within our power to make our days a little brighter for ourselves.
I hope you will reflect on your own versions of whimsy during your day today and maybe adopt some new ways of finding joy in your own life.
Choosing joy and whimsy with you,
