Creating a Space for Joy; How Do You Do It?

It started with a cluttered closet and a single question: Why am I holding onto things that don’t make me happy? One Saturday morning, I found myself staring at a pile of unworn clothes, old books, and knickknacks I didn’t even like. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just my closet—it was my life. I needed to create space for joy, not just physically but emotionally too.

Clearing my closet was the first step, and it felt transformative. As I packed away what no longer served me, I uncovered pieces I truly loved but had forgotten about. The same thing happened when I reevaluated my schedule. I’d been filling my days with tasks that drained me, leaving no room for what genuinely brought me happiness.

So, I began to simplify. I created a morning routine that set a positive tone for the day—five minutes of journaling, a cup of tea by the window, and a playlist of feel-good songs. I said “no” to obligations that didn’t align with my values and “yes” to activities that sparked joy, like taking a painting class or going for impromptu coffee dates with friends.

Physical spaces mattered too. I rearranged my living room to let in more light and added a cozy corner with my favorite throw blanket and books. Suddenly, my home felt less like a storage unit and more like a sanctuary.

Making space for joy isn’t about radical life changes; it’s about small, intentional choices. It’s choosing the dinner that makes you smile instead of what feels “responsible.” It’s texting a friend just because you thought of them. It’s saying, I deserve happiness, and creating room for it to flourish.

Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it’s joyful in ways I never imagined. And it all began with that Saturday morning and a pile of clothes. You’d be amazed what happens when you make space for joy—you just have to start.