Why I Need to Take Joy Seriously (And How It Actually Helps)

I had this powerful conversation with a client recently about something I honestly need as much as she does: joy.

She was stuck, feeling like her work and life had started to feel flat, and she wasn’t sure how to bring that spark back. And I get it. I mean, here’s the thing—my tendency is to take everything so seriously. My work, myself, everything. And it’s pretty exhausting!

Just last week, I caught myself doing it again. I was preparing for a keynote, obsessing over every detail.

I had this knot in my belly, my shoulders were tensing up, and my brain was on overdrive—fixating on every point, every possible outcome. I was driving myself crazy.

Finally, I thought, “What am I doing?!” I dropped it all, turned on some music, and let myself dance around the room. I went outside for a walk, and as I moved, I felt the tension lift. Suddenly, I could think clearly again. I even caught myself smiling. And I thought, How did I forget this?

This is exactly what I wanted my client to feel—that joy isn’t a reward you get after you work hard. It’s a compass, a way of connecting to what’s real and meaningful. Here’s what came up:

Joy is Fuel, Not Fluff

When was the last time you felt genuinely alive? 

For me, those moments of laughter, movement, and lightness remind me why I do this work. Joy isn’t “extra”—it’s actually the energy that fuels everything else.

Respect Starts With You

I’ve always been big on respect for others, but here’s the hard part: I haven’t always respected my own need for joy. 

Listening to the part of me that says, “Go play” or “Take a break” has been a learning curve. But that inner voice knows what it’s talking about.

Joy Doesn’t Wait for Permission

I’ve spent my share of time in life’s “waiting rooms,” thinking I had to wait until everything was “just right.” 

But here’s the truth: joy doesn’t wait. You don’t need permission to feel good. It’s amazing how quickly everything can shift when we stop waiting and start living.

So here’s my question for you: 

What’s something small you can do today just for joy? Not because you’ve “earned” it, but because you deserve to feel alive right now.

If this resonates, hit reply and tell me: What’s one thing that brings you joy? I’d love to hear it.

With less seriousness and a little more joy,

Rita

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