Canadians share how they’re finding joy in the little things | Canada Voices

It’s not easy finding little moments of joy, especially as the world around us becomes more complicated. In our Joy Diaries series, we ask notable Canadians from various fields to let us in on their happy place, favourite pastime or daily bit of bliss.

But we wanted to hear from you, too, so we asked our readers to share what joy looks or feels like for them. From discovering a new instrument to watching the sunrise, here are some highlights from your responses:

I have found joy over the past three years in learning how to play ukulele. I am not musical, but I love music – all kinds from classical to metal. With an app called Yousician, I learned to play and experience joy and accomplishment. The 45 minutes a day I put aside allow me to shut out the world and find peace. At 70, it’s so exciting to know how able I am to find joy in new adventures. – Vicki Francis, Charlottetown

Joy for me is a cold dip in the ocean in Victoria. I started cold dipping and following the Wim Hoff method around November, 2020. Along with a good friend, we have rarely missed a weekly workout, breath work and cold dip. The effect on my well-being has been significant. A better mood, dealing with inflammation – doing something hard several times a week changes your mindset. 2025 was a challenging year. However, cold water swimming made a difficult year better. – Brian Dierolf, Victoria

For astronaut Chris Hadfield, crosswords are heaven

Watching the sun rise fills me with joy. The sunrise represents a new day, new beginnings, second chances. The moment it appears on the horizon, all that went before it is gone and what is to come are possibilities and opportunities – that fills me with hope and joy. – Deb Cantrell, The Blue Mountains, Ont.

Joy has morphed into resilience and determination during this sixth decade of my life. Staying grounded and resisting my propensity for worry are central to maintaining a calm nervous system. With severe anxiety running in my family, I must maintain a fairly rigid discipline of physical activity – so, I have a dog.

Almost every day of my life, it has been necessary to walk or hike at least four kilometres. The routine is indoctrinated into my soul and creates a profound sense of joy. Six a.m. winter walks alongside the frozen yet forever churning Otonabee River and later hikes in the local forest every day are memories that withstand the test of time.

Practising simple, easy yoga also brings me joy, along with a focused music routine on guitar and mandolin. I need these activities – it’s not a choice any more and it can be a very fine balance. – Kathryn Kastner, Lakefield, Ont.

Here’s a little note about my hobby: riding my bike

My first bike was a battered one my parents had salvaged from the dump. My next one was a former one of my mom’s, fitted with wooden blocks on the pedals and still too big. But riding a bicycle all by myself gave me freedom and joy. I rode to friends’ houses, to school, able to explore my neighbourhood and have adventures beyond.

Soon, it served as my transportation in university when public transit went on strike. I explored the countryside and streets of a new town, pushing myself to go farther, to go faster. Unfortunately, during my adult working years, the bike didn’t get used – but the day after I retired, I bought a new bike.

Now, in the early morning hours while the rest of the world is still asleep and the roads are dry and clear, I ride my bike. In solitude, away from obligations and devices, I ride quiet trails. On my bike, I’m not an old lady with arthritis and sciatica, I’m a kid again, legs pumping, lungs inhaling, heart racing. Dad is cheering from somewhere beyond the horizon: “Keep going!” That connection gives me joy. – Sharon Frayne, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.