Redicovering Joy After a Loss or Change

Today, we’re focusing on something that often feels out of reach after a major life change or loss: rediscovering joy.

When we go through something life-altering—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant change—it’s easy to get lost in sadness, loneliness, and even confusion about what comes next. Trust me, I’ve been there. After my son and son-in-law passed away in 2021, I didn’t think I’d ever feel real joy again. And when I got divorced, I certainly didn’t see any joy in my future.

But here’s the truth: joy is still possible. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires intention, but it’s absolutely within reach. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about the feelings that come with loss or change, how to take small steps to rediscover joy, and how practices like journaling and self-reflection can help guide you.

As always, I’ll leave you with inspiration, motivation, and actionable ideas to help you take those first steps.

Transcript

Hello and welcome back to another episode of Aspire and Achieve with Annie. It’s so good to have you here with me as we continue this journey of growth, healing, and rediscovery.

If you’ve been following along, last week we talked about How Grief Doesn’t Define You and how to Move Forward After a Loss. I shared my deeply personal experiences of loss and the steps I took to start healing and move forward. If you missed that episode, it’s one you don’t want to skip—it’s heartfelt, vulnerable, and full of tools to help you navigate your journey through grief.

Today, we’re focusing on something that often feels out of reach after a major life change or loss: rediscovering joy.

When we go through something life-altering—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant change—it’s easy to get lost in sadness, loneliness, and even confusion about what comes next. Trust me, I’ve been there. After my son and son-in-law passed away in 2021, I didn’t think I’d ever feel real joy again. And when I got divorced, I certainly didn’t see any joy in my future.

But here’s the truth: joy is still possible. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires intention, but it’s absolutely within reach. In today’s episode, I’ll talk about the feelings that come with loss or change, how to take small steps to rediscover joy, and how practices like journaling and self-reflection can help guide you.

As always, I’ll leave you with inspiration, motivation, and actionable ideas to help you take those first steps. So, get yourself a drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into today’s episode.

When life throws us a curveball—a loss, a breakup, a job change, or even something like becoming an empty nester—it’s normal to feel a sense of sadness and confusion. You might find yourself asking: What’s next? Who am I without this person, role, or routine?

These feelings of loneliness and uncertainty can make it hard to imagine ever feeling joyful again. For me, after losing my son and son-in-law, joy felt like a distant memory. I was stuck in a cycle of sadness, replaying the ‘what ifs’ and ‘whys’ in my mind.

But here’s what I’ve learned: while those feelings are valid and necessary to process, they don’t have to last forever. You can honor your emotions without letting them control your future. And one of the keys to moving forward is learning to embrace small moments of joy, even if they feel insignificant at first.

Rediscovering joy doesn’t require a grand gesture or a complete life overhaul. That’s crazy! It’s often the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude: Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. It might feel hard at first, but even small things—like a sunny day or a good cup of coffee—can shift your mindset. Heck I wrote that I was grateful for a taco once.
2. Incorporate Movement: Physical activity, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing in your kitchen, releases endorphins that can lift your mood.
3. Reconnect with Nature: Spend time outside. Sit in the sunshine, garden, or take a hike. Nature has an incredible way of grounding us and reminding us of life’s beauty. Being outside is a great place to journal by the way.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself as you would a dear friend who’s going through a tough time. You should be your biggest cheerleader.
5. Engage in Something Creative: Whether it’s painting, cooking, writing, or crafting, creative outlets can bring a sense of purpose and joy. There is a sense of accomplishment when you create or learn something new.

Journaling has been one of the most transformative practices in my life. It’s a space where you can explore your feelings without judgment, reflect on what’s holding you back, and envision the life you want to create.

Grab yourself a pretty journal, find a pen you enjoy writing with, and get started. I journal in journaling books I found at Five-Below, Dollar General, and even Walmart. You can also order journals of all types online, for example Amazon.

Check the show notes for this episode or my website, at annielewellyn.com for a link to my Journal Prompts for Rediscovering Joy Journal. I think you would really enjoy the prompts there.

If you’re new to journaling, start with simple prompts like:

• What made me smile today?
• What do I want to feel more of in my life?
• What’s one small thing I can do tomorrow to bring myself joy?

Self-reflection isn’t about dwelling on the past; it’s about understanding where you are now and what steps you can take to move forward. Pair this with meditation or quiet time to help clear your mind and focus on what matters most.

Now just a quick note here, your journal is yours. No one sees it but you. Let it out if you need to. Your journal does not have to be filled with answers to prompts or just happy feelings. Rant and rave, swear, do what it takes, just get it out.

Let me give you a few more specific examples of ways you can rediscover joy, even during challenging times:

• Volunteer: Helping others can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s at an animal shelter, food bank, or community center, giving back reminds you of the positive impact you can have.
• Revisit an Old Hobby: Did you used to love knitting, gardening, or playing an instrument? Picking up an old passion can reignite a spark.
• Try Something New: Take a class, join a club, or explore a new activity. It’s never too late to discover a new passion. You’re never too old to learn something new.
• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift you, listen to uplifting podcasts, or read inspiring books, and go to church.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Each step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a special meal or a relaxing bath, a glass of wine, a good face mask, or my favorite, a massage.

The key is to take it one day, one moment at a time. Joy doesn’t have to be big or loud—it can be found in the quiet, simple moments of life.

Rediscovering joy after loss or change is a journey, not a destination. It starts with acknowledging your feelings, taking small, intentional steps, and embracing habits that bring light back into your life. Remember: joy is possible, and you deserve it.

I encourage you to start with journaling. If you’re not sure where to begin, download my free Journal Prompts for Rediscovering Joy—you’ll find the link in the show notes or on my website at annielewellyn.com. And if you’re looking for more guidance and support, I’d love to help you. I invite you to book a free 90-minute Purpose Reboot Session with me. Together, we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and the best options for getting the support you need to move forward with confidence. Visit AnnieLewellyn.com to schedule your session today!

Together, we can create a plan to bring joy back into your life.

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode of Aspire and Achieve with Annie. I hope today’s discussion on rediscovering joy gave you the inspiration and tools you need to move forward. Don’t forget to grab the link for your FREE Journal Prompts for Rediscovering Joy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me!

And don’t forget to check out the free resources available on my website at annielewellyn.com—they’re there to help you on your journey.

Join me next Monday at 7 am because we're diving into Navigating Midlife Friendships and relationships. 

Until then, remember: life’s challenges don’t define you—they shape you. You’ve got this!