Finding Joy Coming Back to You

It happens, just a little bit at a time. You don’t even notice it at first. One day, you just wake up and realize you don’t do many of the things you used to love. And it doesn’t feel good. At all.

I’ve been there, too many times, honestly. Life gets loud and messy. And I want to be clear: my first and most important role is being a parent. Making sure my kids are cared for, that they feel joy and stability, that’s non-negotiable. But somewhere along the way, I forgot to care for the person doing all the caring. I lost me.

There are so many things pulling us away from ourselves. A demanding job. A complicated relationship. A financial blow. A health scare. Even the very things that once brought us happiness, a hobby, a passion, start to feel like obligations instead of outlets. And when that happens, it chips away at our spirit.

If you’ve ever sat with the quiet feeling that something’s missing, I want to tell you this: you’re not alone. And I highly encourage you, no, I urge you, run, don’t walk, toward something that lights you up inside. Even just a spark.

For me? My motorcycle's in the shop. I haven’t gone on a photo road trip in years. And those relaxing weekend getaways I dream about? Lately, I’ve let other people steal that time. Can you relate? We bend, and we compromise, and we give, and somehow, “me time” becomes a guilty afterthought.

But here’s the thing: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. You cannot pour from an empty cup. You deserve joy. You deserve time. You deserve to feel like you again.

So start small if you have to. Revisit an old joy. Try something new. Say no when you mean it. Reclaim your space. Choose yourself, on purpose.

Because the world needs you whole. And you deserve to come back home to yourself.

Photo Credit: Darryl Evans of Pure Enchantment Photography