I first stumbled across Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee in a Waterstones while browsing, and the title instantly caught my attention. I didn’t pick it up then and there, but the concept of finding more joy in everyday life stuck with me. A few months later, when I’d been feeling increasingly focused on efficiency and “just getting the job done” rather than really enjoying the moment, I finally added it to my reading list.
This isn’t meant to be a professional review — more of a reflection on the thoughts I had while reading, and how the book made me look at things differently.
First Impressions of Joyful
Going in, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I thought it might be light and whimsical, but actually it was much more science-based than I anticipated. That did make it a little harder to read at times, but still approachable. And honestly, I found myself surprised by how often I related to the ideas — sometimes to things I’d never really thought about before.
The Power of Colour
One of the first themes that really stood out to me was colour. I’d never really considered just how much bringing more colour into your life can influence joy. Ingrid Fetell Lee writes: “Color is energy made visible. It activates an ancient circuit that links brightness and color with abundance.”
I like the idea of finding ways to bring more colour into my home while still keeping a minimal style — simple spaces with a striking piece of bright artwork that makes the room feel alive. We’re often told not to rely on material things for happiness, but at the same time, our surroundings clearly influence how we feel. Like everything, it’s about balance.
This reflection also made me think more about art. I’ve wandered into galleries while on holidays in coastal towns, usually just out of curiosity. I’ve often thought, “I like that one,” without really stopping to ask myself why. Reading Joyful made me pause: is it the colours that draw me in? The textures? Or maybe just the feeling it sparks?
Nature, Plants, and Rediscovering Wonder
Lee’s insights on nature really resonated with me. I couldn’t agree more with how much plants brighten up a space. I’d love to have more at home — we’ve tried herbs, and I even built a little DIY rack, but they never last long. Honestly, the only thing we’ve successfully kept alive is the grass outside, and I take great pride in making it green and thick. It sounds silly, but there’s genuine joy in watering it, watching it grow, and seeing it thrive. Plants almost feel alive emotionally — they droop when sad and perk up when happy. They really do make us feel something.
I also loved Lee’s reflections on sound. I’d always thought of “bringing nature indoors” as meaning plants and light, but sound is just as powerful. I’ve recently started playing rain sounds in the background while I read, and it makes such a difference. It helps me focus, but it also just feels calming, almost like a reset button for my brain.
Reading Joyful also reminded me of the bigger picture. We live in such a man-made world that it’s easy to forget about the wonders around us — lightning storms, stargazing, the Northern Lights, or even bioluminescent pools. These are things I definitely want to experience more of. It’s too easy to get swept along in daily life and forget to make time for them.
Play, Creativity, and the Magic of Escape
When Lee writes about play, it really struck me personally. She explains how it’s one of the only things we do purely for joy. “Play doesn’t fuel us to be more productive. It fuels us to be more present.”
That’s definitely true for me. I had quite an isolated childhood, mostly playing with my little brothers at home with Lego or made-up adventures. As I grew up, I was praised for being mature, and I leaned into that — but it’s left me sometimes feeling like I’m not much fun. I’ve even been told I can be a bit boring, and I’d partly agree. Reading Joyful reminded me of the happiness I felt running around the playground as a kid, pretending to be a fighter jet, completely lost in imagination. I miss that feeling.
This also ties into creativity. As a child, I was endlessly creative — writing stories, designing quests for games, inventing little worlds. I still dream of writing a fantasy novel one day, but these days my ideas come much slower, and everything feels more rigid and logical. Lee’s link between joy and creativity made me realise how much I’d like to reconnect with that part of myself.
Another relatable theme was about individuality — how so many of us choose the “safe” or “normal” path rather than expressing ourselves fully. I can relate to this. At school, I just wanted to fit in, and often made jokes to get people to like me. It worked in the moment, but I never built meaningful friendships. That left me quite isolated later on, unsure of who I really was.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more comfortable being myself — sharing things like my love for Lego, which I once would’ve kept quiet about. And funnily enough, I’ve discovered friends who feel the same way but also never spoke about it.
Lee’s chapter on treehouses made me smile instantly. Almost everyone has dreamed of having one, right? I remember watching The Simpsons and instantly wanting Bart’s treehouse, even though we had no trees in our garden. Even now, when we go to Centre Parcs, I look at the big treehouses and imagine how fun it would be to stay in one. There’s something magical about them — an escape from everything, a space to just switch off. I think they’d be the perfect spot for a digital detox.
Escaping Technology and Reconnecting with the Outdoors
Of course, joy isn’t just about adding things into our lives — it’s also about noticing what gets in the way. One of the biggest culprits, as Lee highlights, is technology. Social media, mobile devices, constant advertising — it’s all designed to keep our attention, and it pulls us away from the real world. It’s easy to forget how good it feels to step outside and just experience fresh air, trees, or even a patch of grass when you spend your whole day surrounded by screens and concrete.
I’ve written more deeply about this in another post on my blog — Reflecting on My Shifting Relationship with Social Media — where I talk about how platforms are built to keep us hooked, and how that changes the way we spend our time. Reading Joyful definitely tied into those thoughts, reminding me that escaping technology often means reconnecting with the natural world.
Practical Inspirations from Joyful
On a practical level, this book has sparked a little interest in interior design for me. I’d love to add some 3D wall art with more colour into my home — keeping the minimal base I like, but adding splashes of vibrancy here and there. Some of it could even be DIY.
If you’re looking for simple ways to bring more joy into your own space, here are a few ideas inspired by the book:
- Add a single bold artwork or accessory to a neutral room.
- Experiment with natural soundscapes (rain, wind, birdsong) to create a calming environment.
- Keep a “Joy Journal” — just jot down one moment of joy each day, and reflect on why it made you feel that way.
Small changes like these don’t take much effort, but they can shift the atmosphere of your day-to-day life.
Final Thoughts on Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee
Looking back, I’m glad I picked up Joyful. It’s been an eye-opening read, helping me notice things I hadn’t before, and giving me a fresh perspective on how to invite more joy into daily life. It’s not a breezy, feel-good book — it’s grounded in science and research — but that made it even more interesting.
I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to shake up their perspective, rethink their surroundings, and bring a little more joy into their world.
Have you read Joyful? Or is it one you’d add to your list? I’d love to hear your thoughts — drop a comment below and let me know how you bring joy into your own life.
The Life of J 