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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:
LadyShort · 02/09/2022 12:54

Lots of things recently, the biggest being on Sunday when my son told me he had just proposed to his girlfriend, after 11 years together, definite tears of joy moment! Oh, and she said yes!

Whenever I spend time with my children, they are 31 and 28 and are a joy to be around, I thank goodness they are very close and my son always looks out for my daughter and I know he always will.

In July went to see Andre Rieu in Maastricht, definitely a bucket list event. Being there after watching him on TV/Youtube for so many years was beyond words.

Hasn't always been like this, I nearly died 4 years ago, have had abusive partners in the past, although I'm with a definite good 'un now, money problems etc, but everything is just coming together now and I feel very lucky

PestoPasghetti · 02/09/2022 12:56

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.

That's so weird, I was literally thinking the same thing yesterday morning! Not for a long time is the answer! I'm 33 now, maybe when I was around 19/20? I am mildly happy most of the time, but never have that feeling like the sun is inside you and you just want to dance with the fizziness of it. It's very sad to think I'll probably never have that again.

WhatIsThisPlease · 02/09/2022 13:00

Quite often when I'm walking the dog. I really think outdoor walks are good for mental health. I run outdoors too but that doesn't bring me any happiness whatsoever (until I've finished).

But sometimes, if I've spent the day cleaning, and the dog is walked and tea is already made, I sit down with a film or a book and feel genuine contentment and happiness and take great pleasure in knowing all's well in my world.

I must be easy to please 🤣

AchillesLastStand · 02/09/2022 13:07

I suffer from metal illness and have severe anxiety and insomnia. The last time I felt utter joy was this time last year. We moved into our first proper home at the age of 42, and I remember after about a week and half a feeling of being content and settled. I remember saying to a friend I felt like I’d won the lottery! A year on I still love the house especially now it feels more like our home but I’m going through a bad time at the moment with anxiety. I think it’s triggered by the escalating cost of living crisis. I keep telling myself it’s temporary and I’ll feel happy again one day.

ideasmirrour · 02/09/2022 13:08

On a fast fairground ride with my DD a year or so ago. The feeling surprised me as I’d forgotten what it was like!

Stickmansmum · 02/09/2022 13:42

LadyShort · 02/09/2022 12:54

Lots of things recently, the biggest being on Sunday when my son told me he had just proposed to his girlfriend, after 11 years together, definite tears of joy moment! Oh, and she said yes!

Whenever I spend time with my children, they are 31 and 28 and are a joy to be around, I thank goodness they are very close and my son always looks out for my daughter and I know he always will.

In July went to see Andre Rieu in Maastricht, definitely a bucket list event. Being there after watching him on TV/Youtube for so many years was beyond words.

Hasn't always been like this, I nearly died 4 years ago, have had abusive partners in the past, although I'm with a definite good 'un now, money problems etc, but everything is just coming together now and I feel very lucky

Can you please rethink your thought process about your son looking out for your DD. It’s like a kick in the gut seeing such embedded sexism. I’m sure your DD isn’t some vulnerable individual needing minded and likely looks out for him as much. So what you meant I’m sure was that your kids are a joy to be around and look out for each other.

bert3400 · 02/09/2022 13:46

I get complete joy, just sitting having dinner with my family. We all get on so well and when we are laughing all together it just makes my heart burst with Joy. Simple pleasures from my lovely family

User287264 · 02/09/2022 13:47

When ds came out of his bedroom after opening his exam results. He had this look on his face that told me he was happy and I was overjoyed for him. He worked so hard, didn't have great expectations, was so nervous.

Dalaidramailama · 02/09/2022 13:47

@Stickmansmum

That comment really jumped out at me too.

LimitIsUp · 02/09/2022 13:52

Total and utter joy - hmm, can't remember feeling that....and its not that I am particularly low in mood.

Enjoyment - I experience that daily but fleetingly (a great book, a tasty meal, good news). But total and utter joy - is that truly possible in this world? It suggests an ability to compartmentalise and ignore the shittiness in the world and the challenges in your own life

calmlakes · 02/09/2022 14:10

Being out on my paddleboard first thing in the morning on a really calm day I feel totally absorbed in the pleasure of the experience.

I have worked hard at compartmentalization so it comes quite easily now.
I worked in child protection, sexual abuse roles for years so it was important to have those skills.

LadyHelenaJustina · 02/09/2022 14:14

Swimming in the sea this week. Stroking my cat. Laughing and messing around with my children.

howoriginal · 02/09/2022 14:27

I was in Florida on holiday a few weeks ago. Went on the Hagrids Motorbike rollercoaster at Universal and came off with such a huge beam on my face, feeling light as a feather. It's such a fun rollercoaster and I think being able to just scream out loud is very therapeutic! Pure joy.

FidginSpinnins · 02/09/2022 14:27

Probably Halloween 2020. Before I knew real raw grief. I've been happy since, but joy without fear isn't something I can really experience anymore.

SunsetOverEasterIsland · 02/09/2022 15:03

Sitting with my 20 year old DS having great conversations, him sometimes asking advice, reminiscing about things he did when he was younger and just laughing fills me with joy - knowing that he has happy memories and trusts us to ask anything makes me proud.
I feel joy when we manage to get tickets to Anfield to watch Liverpool play at home and am always grateful, makes my heart soar just being in the ground and looking around 😁 Also felt joy on Wednesday night when we scored in the last few seconds to win the game, was in a bar in Spain watching the game and the place erupted 😂

LimitIsUp · 02/09/2022 15:28

calmlakes · 02/09/2022 14:10

Being out on my paddleboard first thing in the morning on a really calm day I feel totally absorbed in the pleasure of the experience.

I have worked hard at compartmentalization so it comes quite easily now.
I worked in child protection, sexual abuse roles for years so it was important to have those skills.

Yes, I see that makes sense. Perhaps it's something I need to work on

mij66 · 02/09/2022 15:54

Watching the lo when she was playing with my dh, she giggling her head off which always makes me smile. Before that it was when I got a day off to go hiking with my brother, however as others have said I do tend to swing between joy and dispair, I've recently tried spending less time on my phone which has helped a bit!

user1471538283 · 02/09/2022 16:28

It was months ago but I was driving home from the city so not far and I felt so content and happy. Both our DCats were still with us, my anxiety was decreasing after a horrendous time and I was looking forward to going home and just being.

I want that back.

Framboisery · 02/09/2022 16:44

Swimming in the sea off the South coast a few weeks back.
A day out at a bird of prey centre back in March.

Bloodybridget · 02/09/2022 16:49

In February this year, on holiday in the Lake District, out walking on my own early every morning feeling strong and well, revelling in the beautiful surroundings. I felt such joy in being there, being alive, nearly three years after my cancer diagnosis.

100problems · 02/09/2022 16:59

22nd September 2020. The day before our lives were changed irrevocably.

Skinterior · 02/09/2022 16:59

I will feel total and utter joy when vodaphone give me my flaming pac number Angry

PinkyU · 02/09/2022 16:59

Just yesterday, I was able to pick up and hug my little girl for the first time in months. She recently had major life changing (hopefully) surgery which has meant minimal and gentle contact for her comfort and recovery.

It felt like the first time I held her when she was born.

EmMacv · 02/09/2022 17:13

A few times recently like just last night when I realised how even though life is far from perfect, I love the people in my life, what we have and how well we get along.

Also a month ago I took DH to an event he said really wasn't for him. I didn't realise when I booked he didn't want to go and really second guessed myself becoming sooooooooo close to cancelling. I decided we should go and seeing the huge smile on his face watching the event made it all worthwhile. He's thanked me many times since for taking him. It's nice when you know someone better than they know themselves, and also when your instinct about something is right.

100problems · 02/09/2022 20:09

@PinkyU magical