On a quest to find happiness? One local expert says to “choose joy” everyday. Here’s how.

Interviewing for a new position during a pandemic is an (alliterative expletive) full-time job. Research, apply, network, answer emails and move on from rejections without breaking stride. After a long day, my cheeks ache from smiling so earnestly in video interviews. My faithful companion is a ring light, basking me in a glow that makes me a bit squinty but chases away unflattering hollows. Lather, rinse, repeat. This is my current daily reality.

My desk is adorned with quotes, inspiring notations, post-its with scribbles and exclamation marks. Words are my talisman, my armor. They remind me to breathe. That this too shall pass. I am always beautifully cloaked, shrouded, protected by these words. My shelf boasts a collection of favorites. An autumnal “thankful” is tucked amongst candles. A delicate vase reminds me “Happiness is a form of courage.” And lastly, a small, bright painting I commissioned simply reminds me to Choose Joy. Because I needed a reminder. I needed a reminder, every day, to fiercely choose joy.

There’s always an endless to-do list, a bit of news that dims your sparkle or worrisome thought. With so much responsibility, so much to always get done, do we have the permission and the audacity to just be happy?

We have been taught to worry. We pick up that worry, wear it like the latest accessory. We’ve become really good at that; it means we are grownups now, serious and adult. Joy-fullness is for children and the naive. But choosing joy means choosing you. Choosing your own happiness might feel selfish. We need to let go of that dogma. You can choose to let go of that addictive habit and just Marie Kondo that extra mental baggage like you did your closet. Choosing joy means getting enough sleep. Feeding yourself as you would someone you cherish. Nourishing your soul with your own talismans of music, art, candles… Loving yourself.

Do not wait for Friday. Do not put happiness on hold. That’s it. Stop waiting to be happy.

BROKEN HABITS, CALM MIND

Catherine Patrick is a certified holistic coach and Life & Soul Healer, based in Miami. She suggests finding the quiet in order to find meaning. “When you wake up in the morning, make your coffee, your tea, your juice, and just sit. No scrolling on your phone. Simply sit. Listen to the birds, to some meditation music, and just be present for ten minutes.” Try to take a mental “snapshot” of that moment; using this “muscle” memory can help you pull this feeling forward easier each time. Use routine moments as opportunities to remind ourselves to practice. While making coffee, making the bed, brushing your teeth, visualize yourself as being simply happy and picture it as vividly as you would an Instagram post of a favorite vacation.

I get it. I am Type A, too. Put worrying on your to-do list, if you must. Set a 15-minute appointment in the early evening to be upset at whatever bothered you that day. Quite possibly, the disappointment you felt earlier may have dissipated by then, softened by all the positive feelings you have conjured throughout the day and the perspective of a bit of time. And you still get to put a check on that to-do list.

Do not wait to be happy when you have “leveled-up” or achieved that next goal, because the goal posts will have moved. Dare to be happy.