Once in a Blue Moon...... or Every Day?
Once in a Blue Moon
This weekend brings a full moon - and not just any full moon. It’s the second one this month, labeled a “blue moon.” Something rare, something we don’t see often, something we tend to label as special. (Thus the expression 'once in a blue moon'). Which got me thinking… what actually makes something special? Is it just because it’s rare?
Joy on a regular basis
There’s a concept I learned in Yale's Science of Well-Being course called hedonic adaptation, which is defined as: a psychological process in which people tend to return to a relatively stable baseline level of happiness after experiencing positive or negative life events.
It’s the reason why no matter how much we achieve, earn, or accumulate, the joy doesn’t last as long as we expect it to. Basically, we adapt. What once felt exciting becomes normal. What once felt extraordinary becomes our baseline.
It’s why studies show that someone who wins the lottery and someone who experiences a life-altering accident both, over time, return to a similar level of happiness. Not immediately… but eventually.
So if that’s true, how do we actually experience more joy without constantly chasing the next thing?
One answer is savoring, which is the act of intentionally noticing, enjoying, and appreciating the positive things in our life. It's about not rushing past the good moments, but actually leaning into them, even for just a few seconds.
For me this is noticing the beautiful greenery on my daily walk, even as my mind spins thinking of the day's events. Or actually slowing down and tasting that delicious piece of cake (instead of shoving it down as fast as possible).
Another way to experience more joy is by creating novelty on purpose.
When we’re constantly working, we crave rest. When we’re idle too long, we crave engagement. There isn't just one thing that always brings us joy (I mean, other than croissants and other baked goods - am I right?) It is usually the thing that is missing that we most desire and that brings a sense of joy and relief.
But instead of waiting for something rare to feel joy, we can start asking "what would make this moment better?" Then we can intentionally bring it in and actually allow ourselves to enjoy it once we get there.
Because rarity might make something feel special, but it doesn’t guarantee joy.
You get to decide how you live your life.
You get to decide what matters. And you get to decide how present you are for it.
For people working toward long-term goals, it’s rarely the end result that brings the deepest fulfillment. It’s the process and the day-to-day movement towards something meaningful that brings the joy (as long as that process doesn’t become so overwhelming that it drains you completely!)
Joy isn't meant to be a “once in a blue moon” experience. But if we don’t understand what actually creates it, it can start to feel that way.
When you begin to recognize what truly brings you joy and why it fades, you can make more intentional choices that are rooted in connection, movement, purpose, and presence - as these are the things proven to bring real well-being over time.
Not just more, more, more. In fact, almost every study proves that more money, more status, and more stuff won't make you happy for very long if it isn't also contributing to your health, relationships, and/or sense of purpose and belonging.
If you’re tired of chasing moments of happiness that disappear as quickly as they arrive, I am here to help. My coaching helps you build a life that feels meaningful, sustainable, and consistently fulfilling.
Not once in a blue moon. But woven into your everyday.
Cheers to this month's blue moon,
Sharon
Create consistent joy and the life you REALLY want
Invest in figuring out who you are and what you truly want in your relationships, your career, your family, your finances, and your community. Invest in YOU.
I've helped so many women clarify their goals and achieve them with more joy and less stress - even in the midst of existential crisis and uncertainty.
It's your turn.
Schedule a free call today to explore how to feel better. Click HERE.
My most in-demand offerings are as follows:
Life Vision Intensive - A 2-hour discovery session to define what a successful and fulfilling life means for YOU. Includes your Life Vision document, a core values exercise, and a 1-hour finalization call. Investment = $399
Coaching Package - Almost a full year of support! Twelve 1-hour sessions approx. every 3 weeks to provide the encouragement, accountability and support to help you define and reach your goals with more joy and less stress. Includes the Life Vision session for free! Investment = $3,300
Life is too short to spend it feeling stressed, overwhelmed and unsatisfied. I've helped so many improve their happiness, well-being, and success because they chose to schedule a call and take one step towards the life of their dreams. I can help you too.
