Joy is all around you. You need to look for it.
Joyspotting is simply turning your attention to the joy in your surroundings. Ingrid Fetell Lee of The Aesthetics of Joy states, “Joyspotting is easy, free and can be done in just a few seconds. The more you do it, the more joy you’ll start noticing on your own.”
Look up!
Kites, balloons, and shapes in the clouds: Joy often comes from things that fly.
Keep an eye out for colour.
“Color is life,” said painter Johannes Itten. When you catch a flash of vibrant hue, notice how it transforms the space around you.
Follow the curve.
Circles and spheres, squiggles and waves: curved shapes have a playful quality that softens the world’s hard edges.
Seek out symmetry.
Whether it’s a spiral seashell, a striped awning, or a hidden face, symmetrical shapes and patterns create a sense of harmony amid the randomness of daily life.
Take the scenic route.
While it’s possible to find joy when rushing around, taking time is easier. So slow down. Wander. Maybe even get a bit lost.
Joy, spotted!
Once you’ve found it, don’t keep it to yourself. Research shows that sharing a moment of joy with someone else boosts your joy levels.