inspiring joy filled living

Ordinary Moments, Extraordinary Joy

September 18, 2025

Why Small Daily Habits Matter More Than Big Changes


We often imagine joy will come when something big happens—landing the dream job, moving into the perfect house, or reaching that “someday” milestone. But the truth? Joy is waiting for us in the everyday. The small, ordinary moments often carry the most meaning, if we’re willing to notice them.

The Myth of the Big Change

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that happiness lives in the future, once everything falls into place. I was so guilty of this for a long time. Even when I did reach a milestone, my mindset was: what’s next?! I couldn’t even appreciate and enjoy the moment right in front of me because I was too focused on what I had to accomplish next.

At 42 years old I can finally start to recognize that the “what’s next” way of thinking is flawed. It is a broken system that only leads to frustration, anxiety, and even depression. I have definitely checked each of those boxes over the years. And here’s the crazy part, even when the goal is reached the anxiety kicks right back in fueling the need to immediately stress about the next big thing.

Now anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE a goal. Nothing is better than a really big dream with a deadline attached (my Dad would be so proud right now that I’m quoting Napoleon Hill!) I love goals. I love having a plan, to do list, and actionable steps. But here is the downside of living a goal-only life…by chasing joy only in the “big” things, it leaves us missing the beautiful little moments happening right now. Yes, joy is found in reaching the big goals, but there are so many more opportunities to find joy in our every day life, if we look for them. And if you want to reach those big goals sooner? Find more joy in your life because positivity leads to productivity: Every. Single. Time.

The Power of Small Habits

Joy isn’t loud or complicated—it’s simple and repeatable. It shows up in the habits and rhythms of our daily lives. Things like:

  • Start the morning with gratitude. Write down 5 things you’re grateful for. This changed my life because instead of being sucked into the anxiety inducing cycle of what’s next?! I’m now starting my day from a place of gratitude which leads to more creativity and all those warm fuzzies.

  • A short walk that clears your head. Get outside. Breathe that beautiful fresh air. This makes such a difference. Even going outside and watering my plants for a few minutes helps me reset and refocus. Have a bit more time? Take the walk & get moving! Even a little sweat will get the job done.

  • Create before you consume (love this idea from Marie Forleo!) Start the day writing down 3-5 ideas. I have a list going called My Great Ideas. And let me tell you not all of them are great…haha! But some of them are and some of them turn into great ideas. By giving myself a chance to brainstorm first thing in the morning (after I write down my 5 things I’m grateful for), I’m not distracted by my email or social media because the day hasn’t taken hold yet. Try it, see what great ideas you come up with!

These habits don’t take much time, but they shift how we move through the day.

Why Ordinary Moments Matter Most

Ordinary moments give us:

  • Consistency: We can return to them again and again.
  • Sustainability: Small joys don’t fade after one big moment—they repeat.
  • Presence: They root us in the here and now, not just in the “what’s next.”

My Everyday Joys

For me, joy looks like ordinary things:

  • Meeting a friend for coffee and laughing until my cheeks hurt.
  • A hug from my nine-year-old, unprompted and full of love.
  • Sitting in the stands, watching my girls play softball and cheering them on.
  • A girls’ night with friends, where stories, laughter, and maybe a few tears get shared.
  • Asking my hubby how his day was and really listening when he tells me.
  • Watching a sunrise, it was my Dad’s favorite time of day and now I finally get it: a beautiful promise of a day yet to unfold and brimming with possibilities.

None of these moments are headline-worthy, but they are the heartbeats of my life. They remind me that joy isn’t something I have to chase—it’s something I can choose to notice.

How You Can Start Today

Finding joy in the ordinary doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this:

  1. Pick one small moment today to savor—your morning coffee, a song on your playlist, a hug from someone you love, the smell of a yummy candle.
  2. Pause and let yourself actually feel it.
  3. Write it down—it helps you hold onto it. Yes it sounds silly, but add it to your grateful list. By writing it down your brain will take notice and be like…oh this is important, I’m going to remember! The cool part is you are training your brain to look for more joy-moments and savor them.

The Wrap Up
Big changes may shape the story of our lives, but it’s the ordinary, everyday moments that make it beautiful. Joy is already here, waiting in the hug, the laughter, the simple gathering around a table. You don’t need to wait for someday—you can choose joy in the ordinary, today.

With Love, Jen

Seeking Roses