Cultivating Joy: A Personal Experiment

Recently, I stumbled upon the thoughts and experiences of cancer survivor Suleika Jaouad. Her insights about living life fully, especially after her leukemia returned, sparked something in me. Her husband often encouraged her to treat each day as if it were her last. However, Jaouad’s initial feelings were panic and fatigue. Over time, she managed to cultivate a fresh perspective of curiosity and playfulness.

This idea intrigued me, though I was cautious about its practicality—can one really push through exhaustion to find moments of joy? So, I decided to approach my day yesterday as if it were a brand-new experience. Not in the literal sense of being a newborn—red-faced and wailing, of course—but with a childlike sense of wonder. I found myself observing the breakfast bananas, appreciating their design and color.

Later, I checked the mailbox, anticipating a notice about holiday sales. Instead, I found a letter from HMRC concerning tax regulations. Then came the daily struggle with our dishwasher, which seemed to insist on being ajar every time we tried to close it. Rather than letting irritation take over, I shifted my perspective: Did this quirky appliance have a purpose? I didn’t figure it out, but it did help calm my frustration a bit.

Next, I faced the challenge of a dentist appointment, which proved to be more daunting than I expected. My body remembered that this wasn’t my first encounter with dental discomfort. Still, embracing a playful attitude helped. To distract myself, I explored a pamphlet in the waiting room about tooth transformations. Once in the chair, I surrendered to the sensations, treating the experience like a child, allowing myself to feel the cold tools at work on my molars.

While I wouldn’t exactly call it joy, it was certainly a refreshing change from a typical dental visit. Jaouad is onto something; that sense of wonder can truly be powerful.