Photo by Cemrecan Yurtman on Unsplash
Some weeks, it just feels like life has sent me a long list of obligations, especially weeks like the one that I just had. But adding in a little joy is what gives it sparkle. I’ve found that setting aside even one small ritual each week that’s just for fun can turn the week around. It’s not about productivity, and definitely not about self-improvement (LOL, at least it hasn’t been for me); it’s more about remembering what it feels like to laugh, play, and just live in the moment. For me this week has been WEIRD (only way to describe it), from sleepless nights to a new medical mystery, taking on too much work, getting ready for FOUR upcoming trips, and trying to figure out how to get my work done either on location or in-between. Plus, it’s that time of year when my email in-box is full, but my energy in-box is empty.
Here are a few of the joy rituals I use (or should use) to bring lightness back into my week.
1. Take a Dance Break
This is my favorite, because dance is one of my favorite things to do. At 71, my goal is to go back to Paris to take a class with my favorite dance teacher. So, at least once a week, I put on a song I can’t sit still to and dance around the house or pull up one of his TikToks and try to dance along with his classes (he videos his class in small bits and puts them on social media). It’s silly, it’s freeing, and it always makes me laugh (especially if Mr. S. walks in on me).
My tip: I keep a “playlist” on my phone. Songs that never fail to get me moving are right there when I need them. You might be surprised at what it contains (current favorite is NUEVAYol by Bad Bunny because my dance teacher uses it a lot).
What I do: I’ll take a class with Ralph Beaubrun and stream it on my TV.. He’s my favorite teacher and the one that I want to study with. Thankfully, you can pay to take classes with him online.
2. A Guilty-Pleasure Watch
Every week, I carve out time for one show, movie, or video that’s pure fun, nothing serious, nothing “important,” just something that makes me smile.
My tip: I make it an event: popcorn, blanket, and lights low. Treating it like a premiere makes it feel extra special.
What I Do: I watch my favorites like Gigi with Leslie Caron and Maurice Chevalier that I rent on PRIME, or maybe an episode of 90-Day-Fiance on TLC.
Photo by Nellie Adamyan on Unsplash
3. The Silly Treat
Once a week, I indulge in a treat that feels playful. Maybe it’s cotton candy that I make at home with the machine I got for a holiday gift guide a couple of years ago (that I keep meaning to give to Jack), sprinkles on ice cream, or a fancy cocktail or mocktail with a paper umbrella. It’s not about the food, it’s about making it fun and special.
My tip: I always plate it beautifully, even if it’s just cookies from the box. Joy doubles when you dress it up.
What I Do: I normally don’t keep this stuff in the house (or I’d just mindlessly eat it), so I make a special trip to the grocery store or get it delivered since it’s about being a “special” treat. Hmmm….now I feel like going to get a cookie from Crumbl. Or I use an inexpensive Cotton Candy Machine.
4. Play With No Goal
Once a week, I do something with no purpose other than to play. I like to draw (not much for coloring books, but give me a good quality sketchbook and I’m happy), a game of solitaire, entering sweepstakes, or those FREE gambling sites online where I can play blackjack for hours and never have to wager real money. It feels childlike in a grown-up way.
My tip: I keep notebooks all over the house. Writing a dream list, illustrating something I’m watching on TV, or just doodling paisleys (something I’ve done since high school) makes me happy.
What I do: I subscribe to sites like Sweeties Secret Sweeps so I can find local contests to enter when I get in the mood. It’s fun to dream about winning (and even more fun when I REALLY WIN). If you join, I’d love it if you said that I referred you (zipporahs@gmail.com is the email address). She was actually the person who started me blogging and built my first blog for me back in 2008, and I love supporting her site. Plus, it’s so much easier to win LOCAL sweeps than National ones 😉
5. A Laughter Ritual
Joy and laughter go hand in hand. Once a week, I intentionally watch or listen to something that makes me laugh until I cry (or in my case, until I pee), stand-up, funny videos, or even an old comedy I know by heart.
My tip: I save the funniest videos I stumble across during the week and re-watch them all at once. Instant mood boost.
What I do: Lately I’ve been HOOKED on watching Matt Rife on Instagram, or I’ll watch John Mulaney doing stand-up on HBO or Netflix.
Wrapping It Up
Joy doesn’t just happen. Sometimes you really have to create space for it. With a dance break, a guilty-pleasure watch, a playful treat, a little aimless fun, or a dose of laughter, you can give yourself that moment of lightness every week.
Because joy isn’t a luxury, it’s fuel. And once a week, it’s the best gift you can give yourself.
