We all chase happiness. We want to know what we can do to touch it and keep it. We think we’ll find it in the big milestones—graduations, weddings, dream vacations, or when life finally slows down. Though if we’re honest, most of our lives aren’t lived in those moments. Life is mostly lived in the monotony. They’re lived in the middle: carpool lines, grocery store runs, laundry piles, work deadlines, and late-night dishes.
If happiness is only reserved for the big, shiny moments, no wonder so many of us feel like we’re missing out. The good news? You don’t have to wait for life to line up perfectly to feel joy. You can learn to find happiness right in the middle of the everyday.
Rethinking What Happiness Looks Like
Happiness isn’t always fireworks and mountaintop highs. More often, it’s subtle—woven into the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Think about:
- The way your child laughs at something silly.
- The quiet sip of coffee before the house wakes up.
- A quick text exchange with a friend that makes you smile.
- Music blasting while you cook dinner.
When we stop waiting for “someday” and start noticing the small things right in front of us, life feels lighter—even if nothing on the outside has changed.
Daily Habits That Create Everyday Joy
1. Practice Micro-Gratitude
Instead of writing down three big things you’re grateful for at the end of the day, try pausing in real time to notice little joys. That perfect parking spot. A hug from your teen who usually rolls their eyes. Sunshine through the kitchen window. Tiny acknowledgments shift your brain to see more of what’s good.
2. Build Joy Rituals Into Your Routine
Happiness thrives in habits. Maybe it’s a short walk after dinner, dancing in the kitchen, or lighting a candle while you answer emails. Anchoring joy into everyday actions makes happiness less random and more reliable. I find immense joy in my evening walk and workout. I do a lot of daily runs and there are moments that are spent waiting. Instead of scrolling instagram, I deliberately leave a book in my car for those times. And guess what? It’s a moment to release the pressures of the day and connect with the outdoors.
3. Slow Down the Good Moments
We rush through so much that even joy gets swallowed up. Next time you’re laughing with your kids or enjoying your meal, pause for just 10 extra seconds. Let your mind fully soak in the moment. Science shows this actually helps wire your brain for more happiness. Human beings are constantly searching for joy. It’s often elusive because we keep searching instead of observing and immersing ourselves in the present time.
4. Choose Presence Over Perfection
Life will never be 100% organized, tidy, or “figured out.” Happiness isn’t waiting for the chaos to end—it’s found in choosing to be present, even when the laundry isn’t folded or the to-do list isn’t done. It’s never nice to see a mountainous pile of laundry, I get that. But, If we continue pile on the to dos in our minds, this leads to stressful outcomes. And Life is isn’t perfection.
When You Feel Like Happiness Is Out of Reach
There are some days that feel too heavy to even think about joy and that’s reality. Between work, family, and the curveballs life throws (and they’re many!), you may wonder if you’re doing something wrong because happiness feels so elusive. You’re not.
👉 That’s one of the reasons I wrote my book, Mom Take Center Stage. It’s about what it really looks like to stop shrinking in the chaos of motherhood, reclaim your joy, and give yourself permission to live fully—not someday, but now. Because happiness isn’t something you stumble into, it’s something you choose and nurture daily. You can check it out here ➝
Why This Matters
Waiting for happiness to show up in the “big” life moments keeps us chasing a moving finish line. But finding it in the middle of everyday life—while stirring spaghetti sauce, folding laundry, or walking the dog—creates a steady stream of joy you can actually count on.
Happiness doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not about grand gestures or perfect circumstances. It’s about shifting your perspective, building small rituals, and letting yourself actually pause long enough to notice the joy right in front of you.
So the next time you catch yourself waiting for life to finally feel good, remember: joy is already here, waiting to be seen.
✨ And if you want a deeper dive into living with confidence, joy, and self-worth, grab a copy of my book, Mom Take Center Stage. It’s a guide for moms who are ready to stop running on empty and start building a life that actually lights them up. Order it here ➝
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/@swell
