The Wonderful World of Minotaur

Life can be pretty hard sometimes, so it’s easy to go into autopilot mode — just existing. But that’s not enough.

Have you ever looked back at a week (or month) and realized you’ve just been going through the motions? Wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat? Me too. But here’s the thing—that’s not really living.

By “existing,” I mean not actively seeking out the small pockets of joy in life. Existing is just ‘getting by’ — doing the mundane, day-to-day tasks without adding anything that sparks happiness. And honestly? That can get pretty depressing after a while.

Sometimes, life feels bleak. You might be going through a tough time, or maybe it’s just the winter blues creeping in. Even in those moments, it’s important to remind yourself to actually live. Life is about the journey, not just the destination—so why not have some fun along the way?

That’s why this year, I’m making a conscious effort to choose joy — to really live, not just exist. For me, living means actively going out and making things happen. I refuse to let disappointment rob me of the simple pleasures life has to offer.

This means doing things that make me happy. Making time for my hobbies. Scheduling time with the people I love. Creating moments that bring me joy, instead of waiting for joy to find me.

But what does that actually look like? If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of just existing, here are a few small (but meaningful) ways to inject joy into your daily life:

1. Romanticise your life – Make the ordinary feel special. Play music while you cook, light candles in the evening, take your morning coffee outside.

2. Try something new – Take a dance class, try a new recipe, explore a different part of your city. Breaking routine keeps life exciting.

3. Prioritise people who bring you joy – Reach out to friends, plan meetups, or even just send a heartfelt text to someone you love.

4. Get outside – Fresh air can do wonders for your mood. Take a walk, sit in the sun, or go for a little adventure.

5. Move your body in a way that feels good – Whether it’s yoga, pilates, weightlifting, or just dancing around your room, movement boosts your energy.

6. Laugh more – Watch a funny show, listen to a comedy podcast, or just be silly with friends. Laughter is instant joy.

7. Create something – Write, paint, cook, make music — express yourself in whatever way feels natural.

8. Practice gratitude – At the end of each day, jot down three things that made you smile. This helps to shift your focus to the good.

9. Unplug for a while – Social media can be draining. Take a break and be present in the real world.

10. Give yourself something to look forward to – Plan a weekend getaway, a self-care day, or even just a special meal. Anticipation creates excitement.

At the end of the day, life is meant to be lived, not just endured. You don’t have to wait for a huge event or major life change to feel joy — you can create it in small ways, every day.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing you can do today to bring a little more joy into your life?