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Original poster

When was the last time you felt total and utter joy?

254 replies

Zebrasandfairytales · 01/09/2022 12:54

I just thought this morning, I can’t remember when I last felt like that. That feeling of happiness, freedom, contentment, joy. Which is really sad.

I thought maybe reading others moments of joy might give me some joyspiration.

Or if others feel similar help me to feel less alone.

OP posts:
TitoMojito · 01/09/2022 22:34

I have mental illness as well but honestly I feel utter joy whenever I see a cute animal. Dog, cat, squirrel, bunny rabbit... life is miserable a lot of the time but simple things can bring a lot of happiness in the dark times Flowers

Scotabroad24 · 01/09/2022 22:41

Not often, life feels like a hard slog most of the time between mine and dh jobs.
Saying that, we took 20mo ds to the beach a few weeks ago (we live abroad) it was early evening, the 3 of us were in the sea, I was floating over the waves and dh was splashing about with ds, the sun was setting beautifully and when I looked at how happy ds was in that moment I felt complete joy and contentment.

MotherofPearl · 01/09/2022 22:55

@Dinosauratemydaffodils and @Fynix Flowers

I hope you can find some comfort and respite.

PinkRiceKrispies · 01/09/2022 22:57

I haven't. In years. 😔

shedwithivy · 01/09/2022 23:08

When my kids play together and genuinely enjoy each other's company... it's not that often to be fair, but occasionally they will spontaneously hold hands or hug each other or laugh at something with big belly laughs and huge smiles. It makes my heart sing.

Butterdishtea · 01/09/2022 23:09

I don't come by this feeling easily but I felt it when I was alone for a moment on a walk in a sunny wood with just a few minutes of peace before my children found me. It was unexpected.

GoneWithTheWine1 · 01/09/2022 23:10

I sat and read with my ds6 earlier, whilst having a cuddle. Felt completely content and happy.

I don't get that feeling often though, the modern world is a harsh place but I've decided I'm going to do with him every day!

CherryBlossom321 · 01/09/2022 23:12

Before the pandemic. Something shifted during that time. I've never been the same since. I miss joy. I miss enthusiasm. I miss feeling like things are fun.

Issummeroveralready · 01/09/2022 23:12

Helping out at a dog rescue place
Swimming in the sea
Doing a zumba class
Swimming in a secret waterfall pool I know
A cup of coffee
A Saturday morning with no commitments
My cat pouncing on my toes

jjeoreo · 01/09/2022 23:13

A month or two ago eating a mcdonalds in my car before doing my last home visit of the day. it was warm and I had both windows open. Next to the park. knowing that I was going to finish on time that day. can't explain it, just felt so relaxed and happy and free.

I'm a simple soul! should have gone for the quarter pounder and not the bloody chicken legend though.

Rainbowcat99 · 01/09/2022 23:14

Summer 2019, I went to a big event that happens every 2-3 years. Had an amazing time and spent the next couple of summer holiday weeks on a high as a result. It was lovely.

SwordToFlamethrower · 01/09/2022 23:15

A couple of days ago when I danced naked around a fire with other people. It was so freeing!

Geppili · 02/09/2022 03:52

Being near or preferably in the sea (minus sewage)!

Sunnytwobridges · 02/09/2022 06:24

I battle with depression all my life. I usually don’t feel too much but sadness most of the time. The last time I felt true joy was 30 years ago.

Luvacuppatea2 · 02/09/2022 06:51

The morning earlier this year when I woke up to the headline that Australia was going to open up its borders post-covid and I realised I would actually be able to see DD for the first time in over three years

Redqueenheart · 02/09/2022 07:18

Horse riding! I learned to canter this year and the feeling of being on the horse and happily cantering was amazing.

Also visiting a seaside town and just sitting on the beach looking at the waves and listening to the seagulls. :)

Getting a new job this week working with animals!

OneFootintheRave · 02/09/2022 08:25

Wearegoingtoneedabiggerboat · 01/09/2022 13:37

Every time I put my out of office on at work when I go off on leave.

I know that feeling but invariably the buggers get me on my mobile!

A lot of the posts here are dog related. When my girl is playing, her joy is infectious.

I live near a clear, virgin river and swimming there in early summer, surrounded by oleander brings much joy.

GalesThisMorning · 02/09/2022 08:38

I live near a small waterfall, and most evenings I go for a very quick swim. As it's getting darker earlier now I often catch the very last rays of sun or the sky turning pink. There is never anyone there but me and I can swim naked.

The water is too cold to stay in for long but it is utterly all encompassing. For those minutes I don't think about anything, just experience the moment and revel in it. That brings me joy.

Will it still in a few weeks time is the question, and if not what can replace it?

BoxOfCats · 02/09/2022 09:24

Every time I bury my face in a sleeping cat curled up in a ball.

Ozgirl75 · 02/09/2022 10:54

My son sings in a choir and we went to his performance a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t know he would have a solo and it was amazing and surprising. DH and I turned to each other and both of us had tears in our eyes and he just went “our baby!” (He’s 12) and I felt so incredibly lucky to have my wonderful family.
Im generally a pretty happy person though. When we were on holiday recently I was outside in the evening, shadows long, nice cup of tea, beautiful sunset and just felt utterly suffused with peace and joy.

Titsflyingsouth · 02/09/2022 12:33

When my son got his 5m swimming badge. He has coordination issues related to his autism so managing the strokes and keeping his body alignment correct has been hugely challenging for him. It took a year of lessons but he kept at it. Was so proud of him I sobbed... Star

Libre2 · 02/09/2022 12:42

I’m not a terribly positive person and tend to worrying, but I am fortunate to often have fleeting moments of our utter contentment which verges on joy. It is usually for very simple things. Like this morning when DS (13) got up early to wish DD (11) luck on her first day at secondary school, like our lovely boat trip on holiday this year, like being out in our (very mediocre) garden with DH who loves it and is so passionate about what he grows. The most excited I have ever been however was the week before we went to pick up our rescue greyhound. Nothing before or since has surpassed that!

I hope those of you struggling can find joy in the simple things in life sometimes.

Libre2 · 02/09/2022 12:43

CherryBlossom321 · 01/09/2022 23:12

Before the pandemic. Something shifted during that time. I've never been the same since. I miss joy. I miss enthusiasm. I miss feeling like things are fun.

I don’t think you’re alone in this. It’s a strange time and I wonder how long it will take people to heal from it.

Iamblossom · 02/09/2022 12:50

When my son passed his driving test in March and he drove us home and we were both high as kites, I was so proud and pleased for him.

When I was driving to the pool yesterday and a great song came on the radio and the sun was shining and I felt great.

When I had dinner with my sons and DH on holiday last week in a stupendously beautiful waterfront restaurant with the sun setting and the food and wine were delicious. We had many tense moments that holiday but that was glorious and was very happy.

I feel joy often when I am running with my dogs.

Iamblossom · 02/09/2022 12:51

Ozgirl75 · 02/09/2022 10:54

My son sings in a choir and we went to his performance a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t know he would have a solo and it was amazing and surprising. DH and I turned to each other and both of us had tears in our eyes and he just went “our baby!” (He’s 12) and I felt so incredibly lucky to have my wonderful family.
Im generally a pretty happy person though. When we were on holiday recently I was outside in the evening, shadows long, nice cup of tea, beautiful sunset and just felt utterly suffused with peace and joy.

How wonderful.

I think I am generally a pretty happy person too. It's my default setting. I am very grateful for this as I know not everyone is as lucky.