About Experiments in Joy

We all want to feel fulfilled and joyful in our lives. Yet, too easily the circumstances can make us feel like time is scarce, like joy is fleeting, and like our options are limited. Believe me, I’ve been there (and sometimes still feel that way from time to time). Undoubtedly life is full of challenges and complexity. But I have good news.

You are a scientist. And you’ve got a Ph.D in your happiness. (Wait, what?)

Whether you are aware of it or not, you’ve been conducting Experiments in Joy. This is the term I use to describe the attitudes, practices, knowledge, relationships, and behaviors that not only keep you happy and healthy, but playful, energetic, peaceful, motivated, curious, generous, mindful, and excited about life.

Underlying all of this are a few beliefs, like:

We are all capable of making changes, big and small, that yield tremendous joy to our lives
It’s our responsibility–not anyone else’s–to seek out and practice habits that bring us joy
You don’t owe it to anyone else, nor are you doing them a favor, by living someone else’s life
Joy is a practice, not a one time action, and it’s worth the effort

This site is dedicated to exploring and highlighting these Experiments in Joy; in particular, what works for me, for you, and for the community in terms of living our most joyful and fulfilling lives. With an exploratory and open-minded attitude, I’ll write about and share my experiences related to this topic, and hear from you too. I hope this space will act as a place to connect and share with others, to explore thought-provoking questions in a safe space, and to voice your opinion.

Many of the posts on EiJ relate to some of my most cherished values, including: curiosity, individuality, open-mindedness, generosity, mindfulness, self-confidence, compassion, and honesty. I am a big believer in Mohandas K. Gandhi’s formula for happiness and fulfillment. He says:

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”

Through asking ourselves meaningful questions, being honest with ourselves, and taking action to implement the changes our introspection suggests, we can integrate our work, relationships, and purpose with our most cherished values. And when we live a life that honors who we are, we’re likely to, as Jen Sincero says, “Wake up giddy that we get to be us.”