Part 1: Living with Delight
How Disruption Can Lead to New Vibrancy
Imagine your life as a garden. For years, it’s been neatly planted, its rows predictable and comforting. But then, storms barrel through, uprooting plants, scattering seeds, and leaving behind an unrecognizable landscape. It’s chaotic, disruptive. And yet, when the storms pass and the sun returns, you notice something surprising: some of those scattered winds have planted flower seeds, filling the barren soil. Flowers you never would have thought to plant in that space before.
Disruption often feels like that storm, violent, disorienting, and utterly unwelcome. But it can also be the catalyst for something new, something beautiful. In my life, the greatest disruption arrived in the form of a major family medical crisis. It was a tempest I could never have imagined, let alone prepared for. Yet, as recovery began, something unexpected began to grow in the wake of that storm: a new life.
From Survival to Saying Yes
After months of uncertainty and exhaustion, a sense of normalcy began to return. But it wasn’t the old normal, it couldn’t be. Something fundamental had shifted in me, in our family, in the way we saw the world. We decided we couldn’t just go back to the way things were. Life had shown us how fragile it could be, and we weren’t willing to waste it.
So we made a pact: for one year, we would practice saying yes. Yes to new experiences, yes to opportunities, yes to the unexpected. If something offered even the faintest glimmer of joy, curiosity, or life, we would lean into it.
We also decided to follow the mantra: “you made the right choice” regardless of the outcome. This mindset freed us from the weight of second-guessing and allowed us to embrace the journey with trust and openness, knowing that each step was part of creating something different.
Discovering Delight
That year became a mosaic of firsts and adventures. We started a monthly challenge board of things that were just a little hard but could create a sense of vibrant momentum. At first everything felt hard. But we tried foods we couldn’t pronounce, walked in the rain, explored trails we had not tried before, traveled to new destinations, and embraced activities that scared the hell out of us. Think fear of heights and zip lines.
We laughed more, not because life was easy, but because we allowed ourselves to savor the moments of absurdity. We revisited the extraordinary in the ordinary, the colors of a sunset, the rhythm of a favorite song, the warmth of a shared smile. Small sparks of delight began to show up.
This practice wasn’t about chasing happiness or avoiding pain. It was about embracing life in its fullness, its messiness, its unpredictability, its fleeting beauty. We had learned, through hardship, how precious and finite our days are. Saying yes became our way of honoring them.
The Power of Disruption
Disruption has a way of forcing us to reexamine our lives. It shakes loose the routines and assumptions we cling to and clears space for something new to emerge. But here’s the thing: that emergence isn’t automatic. It requires choice, a willingness to lean into the uncertainty, to try, to fail, and to open ourselves to what’s possible.
For me, the choice to live with delight began as an act of survival. But it grew into something more: a practice of curiosity and gratitude. It taught me that even in the aftermath of life’s storms, there is potential for beauty and connection.
An Invitation
What would it look like for you to say yes? To live with delight, even amid disruption? You don’t have to wait for a storm to begin. Start small. Try something new. Say yes to something that scares you or excites you or simply makes you smile. Delight is waiting, often in the most unexpected places.
Your garden may never look the same after the storm, but maybe, just maybe, it can grow into something even more beautiful.
Part 2: Living with Delight: Embracing Joy in Everyday Moments
In a world constantly shifting under the weight of obligations, deadlines, and disruptions, delight can seem like an elusive dream, something we catch only in fleeting moments. Yet, the beauty of delight lies not in grand, spectacular events but in the small, seemingly insignificant details that fill our daily lives. It's the playful dance of sunlight filtering through the leaves, the warm hug of a loved one, the smell of fresh coffee in the morning. Living with delight isn't about waiting for the next vacation or special event; it's about opening ourselves up to joy in the present moment.
The Power of Delight
Delight has a magical way of recharging us. It’s like a burst of energy that resets our minds and spirits, providing a fresh perspective on life, like sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm. When we live with delight, we make space for spontaneity, creativity, and deeper connections with ourselves and others. It brings a sense of lightness to even the heaviest days, acting as a bridge between the mundane and the extraordinary.
Sometimes, delight shows up when we least expect it. Have you ever sat in a funeral and found yourself getting the giggles? You friend shifts in their chair, there is a noise, you catch their eye, and suddenly the laughter rises in your chest. Realizing how inappropriate it is only makes it worse until you both erupt even more loudly. This is your body’s way of reminding you that holding opposing emotions is a gift, and even in the most desperate moments, joy is available.
Cultivating a Delightful Mindset
1. Practice Mindfulness
The first step to living with delight is being fully present. Mindfulness helps us focus on the now, enabling us to notice things we would otherwise overlook. It’s in this presence that we can truly see the beauty and joy around us. Whether it’s the soft sound of rain, the sensation of walking barefoot on the grass, or the playful chatter of children, mindfulness allows us to tap into life's everyday wonders.
2. Find Joy in the Small Things
We often associate happiness with major accomplishments or events, but true delight can be found in the ordinary. Start by shifting your focus to small moments. A handwritten note from a friend, the vibrant colors of fresh fruits at the market, or the simple pleasure of taking a deep breath. By tuning in to these moments, you begin to build a reservoir of delight that sustains you throughout the day.
3. Let Go of Perfection
Delight doesn’t thrive in perfection, it blooms in the messy, unexpected moments of life. Release the need to control every outcome and embrace spontaneity. Whether you’re cooking dinner, spending time with family, or working on a project, allow space for mistakes and surprises. The unpredictability of life often brings the most delightful moments when we least expect them.
4. Create Space for Play
As adults, we sometimes forget how to play. Yet playfulness is a powerful way to experience delight. Let yourself be silly, experiment with creativity, or engage in a hobby just for fun. You don’t have to be good at it, it’s the experience of letting go and enjoying the moment that matters. Whether it’s painting, dancing, or taking a walk without a destination, give yourself permission to be playful.
Finding Delight in Relationships
Living with delight doesn’t have to be a solo journey, it can be magnified in relationships with others. Often, it’s the shared experiences, laughter, and connection that amplify joy. Here are a few ways to cultivate delight with those around you:
Celebrate the Ordinary: Instead of waiting for special occasions, celebrate the everyday moments with your loved ones. Share a meal, have a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen, or enjoy a simple conversation without distractions. These moments, though ordinary, can bring extraordinary delight.
Practice Gratitude Together: Take time with friends or family to share what brought you joy during the day. This not only strengthens bonds but also helps everyone tune in to the delightful aspects of life.
Be Curious: Approach your relationships with curiosity and wonder. Ask questions, listen deeply, and explore the world through their eyes. This creates an environment of appreciation and delight in discovering the unique perspectives of others.
Choosing Delight Amid Disruption
We live in a time where uncertainty and disruption are constant. From emerging technologies like GenAI to personal challenges, our worlds can be turned upside down in an instant. But disruption doesn’t have to rob us of joy. In fact, it can be an invitation to discover new delights in unexpected places.
When life feels unpredictable, seek out the small pockets of joy that remain. Maybe it’s finding solace in nature, diving into a creative project, or connecting with loved ones. Delight can coexist with disruption, reminding us that no matter the external chaos, there are still moments of beauty and peace to be found.
A Life Lived in Delight
Ultimately, living with delight is a choice. It’s a mindset that shifts how we experience the world, seeing not just what’s wrong or stressful but also what is magical and beautiful. By embracing the small joys, cultivating playfulness, and opening ourselves to the present moment, we can lead richer, more vibrant lives.
Delight is waiting for us, every single day. We just have to open our hearts and let it in.
