Tis the Season for Microjoys

18 Dec Tis the Season for Microjoys

By Barbara K. Stump, MA

Have you heard the term Microjoys before? Microjoys are like looking for a teeny silver lining, even when times are difficult. Training yourself to find the good, and feel gratitude for something that could be viewed as small, or an everyday experience. To unlock this phrase a little more, think of it as a burst of joy. These bursts of joy can be thought of as mini dividends that build up over time, and may help to sustain us when things are difficult.

The term microjoys can be linked back to Cyndie Spiegel, a speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Dear Grown Ass Women. She has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Glamour. Her book, Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life is Not Okay, is a highly recommended self-help read. Spiegel explains, “Microjoys are the hidden wisdom, long-ago memories, subtle treasures, and ordinary delights that surround us: A polka-dot glass on a thrift store shelf. A dear friend’s kindness at just the right time. The neighborhood spice shop. A beloved family tradition. The simple quietude of being in love. A cherished chai recipe.”

In the article, Microjoys: Find Joy, Even When You Feel Bad, written by Gregg Williams, MFT (marriage and family therapist), September 5, 2025, he explains how these tiny moments can help when life is tough. “Microjoys aren’t magic—they won’t erase illness, grief, or poverty. These aren’t erased by noticing a warm blanket or a clear blue sky. But microyjoys can help you hang on for another day. They give you relief from what you’re going through. They remind you that even in dire times, there are good things in life.” In essence to create inner peace, even as you accept that joy and sorrow coexist.

In Williams’s article (Microjoys: Find Joy, Even When You Feel Bad), he states that to make a microjoy you need to start with something that will awaken an internal emotional response.

• Something you like: examples are friends, the taste of hot french fries, good conversations.
• Something you love: examples involve you having a deep emotional connection to whatever/whomever it may be. It’s usually a person (relative, life partner, or friend). It can be something else: such as a cause, an organization, a place, or a pet.
• Something interesting to you: fly fishing, watercolor painting, history, reading, cooking, something beautiful, fascinating, or surprising to see. 

What are your microjoys this season? Here are some of mine:

Williams offers more steps for following up with these microjoy moments in his article. If this therapy is of interest to you and would like to learn more here is a link to his article: Microjoys: Find Joy, Even When You Feel Bad | by Gregg Williams, MFT

As I close this article, I feel the need to acknowledge that holidays can be joyful and also hard. Try to focus on those things that cultivate microjoy moments. Even when times seem bleak, seek small moments of joy—they might just be enough to keep that little light of yours burning. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore

Wishing you peace, a sense of calmness, and many microjoys this season!

Barbara Stump is an art education consultant and G3 contributing writer.