Choosing Joy Is an Act of Rebellion

When I first moved to the hills, before having kids, I was struck by the quiet pace of life. It took me years to accept the slowing down, to embrace that this was our path. Deep down, I knew it was where I was meant to be, but my mind resisted it fiercely. I felt the pull to keep up, to keep moving fast, to meet expectations that weren’t even my own.

Choosing to slow down and live intentionally felt almost radical—like an act of rebellion.

Joy often feels the same. In a world that prizes productivity and busyness, joy can feel indulgent or unimportant. But joy is essential. Choosing joy is about actively parenting your inner self—listening to your needs, letting go of others’ opinions, and making space for the things that light you up.

For me, joy has been about adding in small moments, one at a time. Recently, I’ve been sitting down with my family to play board games—nothing fancy, just simple moments of connection that fill my heart. This week, I also dusted off my old CD collection and let my favorite songs from years past fill the studio. Dancing around while I work has reawakened a youthful spirit I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much.

Living a creative life means making an active choice to walk your own path. It takes courage and intention to listen to your heart and trust it over the noise of the outside world. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

How are you choosing to use your energy? What could slowing down just a little bit look like for you today? Maybe it’s pulling out an old recipe, playing a game, or dancing to the songs that shaped your youth. Whatever it is, know that those moments matter. Choosing joy matters.

So let’s start this year with rebellion. Choose joy. Choose intention. Choose to slow down and savor the little things. Life is too short not to.

With love,
Lisa
Spiritus Eco Clothing