Finding Joy When Life Feels Hard

Because even in the darkest moments, there’s a spark of light waiting to be found.

Welcome to the Garden, my friend!

The Garden intends to be a space of inspiration and joy for souls on this beautiful journey called "life." It is an oasis to rest, recharge, and find spiritual fuel, tools, techniques, and strategies for living more peacefully, abundantly, and joyfully throughout your human experience.

I’m honored and grateful you are here! And if you resonate with the work I do here, I invite you to become a paid subscriber. Either way, I’m glad you are here!

Hello, my dear friend! How are things going in your neck of the woods? Are you thriving or do you feel as though you're silently struggling?

There’s no denying it—life can certainly feel heavy sometimes. Times when things aren’t going the way we envisioned, when the weight of responsibilities presses down, and when the dream of feeling fulfilled feels miles away, joy seems like a distant memory.

But here’s the truth I want you to remember: Joy is still possible, even in the hardest moments.

I know it’s hard to believe when you're caught in the overwhelm, the uncertainty, or the emotional exhaustion of it all. But joy doesn’t always show up when things are perfect. In fact, it’s often found in the struggle, when we least expect it.

Here’s how you can invite joy back into your life—even when everything feels like it’s falling apart:

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1. Acknowledge the Hardness Without Judging It

It’s okay to admit that life is tough. You don’t have to push the hard feelings aside or pretend you’re fine when you’re not. By acknowledging the struggle, you’re giving yourself permission to feel. And when we allow ourselves to fully experience our emotions, the burden begins to lift, just a little.

Tip: Take a moment, close your eyes, and say to yourself, “It’s okay that I’m struggling. I’m allowed to feel this way.” Then, breathe deeply. Sometimes, that’s all we need to begin moving forward.

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2. Start Small—Find Moments of Beauty in the Ordinary

I know it’s tempting to think that joy only exists in big milestones or grand moments, but joy often resides in the tiny, everyday things. A warm cup of tea. The quiet stillness of a morning. The laughter of a friend. Nature’s beauty. These moments are like little sparks of light in a dark room.

Start by noticing them. Look for them throughout your day. It might be a smile from a stranger or the scent of fresh flowers. The more you notice, the more you’ll realize that joy is all around you, even when life feels hard.

Tip: Set an intention each day to find one thing that makes you smile, no matter how small it is. Journal about it before bed, and let yourself savor that moment of beauty.

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3. Shift Your Focus to Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful force—it doesn’t change the circumstances, but it changes how we see them. When we’re caught in the storm of life, we tend to focus on everything that’s wrong, everything that’s lacking. But gratitude helps us shift our perspective, opening our hearts to what is going right.

Tip: Every morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big or extraordinary—just real, simple things. This practice will gradually shift your mindset and open your heart to joy.

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4. Be Gentle with Yourself

We are often our own worst critics. We demand perfection from ourselves, and when we fall short, we sink deeper into frustration. But joy doesn’t thrive in perfectionism. It thrives in self-compassion.

Tip: Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend. Would you tell her she’s not enough, or would you remind her of her strength, her beauty, and her worth? Be kind, gentle, and loving with yourself. This is how you begin to nurture joy within.

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5. Allow Yourself to Rest

When life feels hard, we often feel compelled to keep pushing, keep striving. But sometimes, the most joyful thing you can do for yourself is to rest. Allow your mind, body, and soul to pause. When you’re rested, you’re better able to receive joy—because joy doesn’t come from constant doing. It comes from being present, from being grounded in the now.

Tip: Schedule “rest” into your day—whether it’s a nap, a walk in nature, or simply sitting in silence for a few moments. This isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for your well-being.

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6. Connect with Your Inner Strength

Life’s challenges are tough, but you are tougher, my friend! You’ve made it through difficult times before, and you have everything within you to rise again. Sometimes, joy is found in remembering how far you’ve come, how resilient you are, and how much strength you carry.

Tip: When you’re feeling low, take a moment to reflect on your past victories, no matter how small. Recognize your own power. You’ve faced hardships before, and you can overcome this one too.

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7. Embrace the Process of Healing

Healing isn’t linear, and joy doesn’t always come right away. It’s okay if you don’t feel “happy” all the time. What matters is that you’re willing to show up for yourself, even in the midst of pain. Joy will return when you allow yourself the space to heal and grow.

Tip: Allow yourself the time you need to heal without rushing the process. Trust that joy will find its way back to you, even if it takes time.

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Remember: Joy Is Still Waiting for You

Even when life feels hard, joy is never completely out of reach. It may require some effort to find, but I promise you, it’s still there—hidden in the small moments, the quiet breaths, the gentle self-care, and the nurturing of your soul.

You’re not alone on this journey. Keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible, and know that joy is just around the corner.

You deserve to feel joy, to embrace the beauty of this life, even in the midst of the challenges. And I’m here, cheering you on every step of the way.

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Your next step? Start today by finding one moment of joy, no matter how small. Let it spark your heart. Let it remind you that life, even when hard, is still beautiful.

Want to go deeper?

Here are some journal prompts and affirmations to help you along.