Finding Joy Again: Through Hobbies, Growth, and Curiosity

It was pretty obvious to me (and probably others) that joy had slipped away from me. Life had thrown some curveballs my way, with grief and loss being the primary emotions. As we know, life just keeps on going even when we wish we would take a pause from the responsibilities and household tasks. I was doing meaningful work as a therapist, yes, but somewhere along the way, I stopped checking in with myself about what truly fueled me. I was helping others navigate their emotional worlds, but I hadn’t paused to reflect on my own.

So, I decided to get intentional about it. I didn’t make a huge announcement or write a 10-step plan. I simply started reconnecting with myself, with what lights me up, and with the things I used to say “I’ll get to someday.”

Reclaiming Joy Through Hobbies

One of the most surprising and simple changes I made was picking up a book again. Not for continuing education, not for research, but just for fun. It was my first time reading fiction as an adult and I had no idea how good it would feel to get lost in a story and to excitedly anticipate the next book in the series.

Exercise followed, not as a punishment or a productivity hack, but to move and feel grounded. Whether it’s a walk outside, lifting weights, or a sand volleyball with friends, I’ve found that moving my body with intention has brought clarity, energy, and yes, joy.

And then came the “trying new things” part. I started saying yes to new experiences without overthinking them. A concert I’d normally shy away from, a recipe I’ve never attempted, a weekend trip to somewhere I’ve never been. These small “yeses” started to crack open something bigger, a sense of adventure and presence that I’d been missing.

Finding Joy in Professional Growth

As a therapist, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you should already know it all. But one of the most joyful aspects of my career has come from embracing the opposite: I’m always learning.

I started diving deeper, specifically into sex therapy. I started reading books and seeking out trainings until I found a way to get myself certified as a sex therapist. This interest in sex therapy helped me to stop seeing growth as a box to check and start seeing it as a lifelong journey. It reminded me that personal and professional development aren’t separate, they feed each other.

The more I learn, the more connected I feel to the work. The more connected I feel to the work, the more I show up for myself, too. That’s been a quiet but powerful source of joy.

Joy doesn’t always return in grand gestures. Sometimes it sneaks in through a good book, a morning walk, a conversation that stretches your thinking, or a choice to do something just because it excites you.

I’ve found mine again through curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to growing both personally and professionally. And if joy has felt distant for you lately, know this: it’s never too late to reclaim it.