ometimes the smallest moments of joy are the only ones that feel possible.
Unlike some other positive emotions, like compassion and contentment, experiencing joy often depends on preparing for it, rather than spontaneously feeling it, says Philip C. Watkins, a professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University who’s authored many of the leading research papers on joy.
First, take an inventory of what joy means to you, and when you last experienced it.
Ask yourself
What’s standing in your way of feeling joyful?
It will also give you a hint of how to achieve more joy in the future.
She suggests others do the same, storing it in their phone or some other easily accessible place.
“I think there’s something about joy that’s multisensory,” says Cohan, a professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort.
Contact us at letters@time.com.