“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
― Kahlil Gibran
What is a Delight Mindset?
Delight Mindset
A delight mindset is a way of thinking that focuses on finding joy, happiness, and pleasure in the little things in life.
Instead of waiting for big moments to be happy, someone with a delight mindset looks for small moments of joy every day.
Let’s explore some key elements of this mindset:
Being Present
Being present means focusing on what’s happening right now, in this very moment.
Instead of worrying about the past or the future (of which we have no or little control over), someone with a delight mindset simply enjoys the current moment.
Whether it’s the sound of raindrops hitting the roof, the first bite of a favorite snack, or an inside joke shared with a friend, people who are truly present appreciate the little joys of the here and now.
Gratitude
Gratitude is all about being thankful for what you have.
This might be family, friends, good health, or even a beautiful sunset.
Recognizing and being thankful for these types of simple things can can make every facet of your life for delightful.
Curiosity
Curiosity helps people delving into a delight mindset discover unexpected moments of joy.
New ideas help drive the delight that people experience.
Open-mindedness
Being open-minded means being receptive to new ideas and experiences.
Instead of saying “no” right away, someone with a delight mindset might say, “You know what? Let’s try it!”
As with curiosity, this approach allows them to experience more joy as they’re not shutting out potential fun or learning moments.
Seeking Out Positivity
People with a delight mindset actively look for positive things.
This could mean reading uplifting stories, watching funny videos, or spending time with positive people.
They know that by surrounding themselves with positivity, they’ll feel happier and this in turn will be a driver for delight.
Mindful Appreciation
Mindful appreciation is about truly understanding and enjoying the things around you.
This goes part and parcel with being present.
Instead of just drinking a glass of water, for instance, someone with a delight mindset might appreciate how refreshing it feels, how it quenches their thirst, and how fortunate they are to have clean water.
“Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”
― W. Somerset Maugham
A Delight Mindset as a Catalyst for Personal Growth
A delight mindset is more than just being happy or finding joy in little things.
It’s a powerful tool that can help us grow and become better versions of ourselves. When we focus on the positive, on what brings us joy, and on the beauty in everyday moments, we create a foundation for personal growth.
Let’s explore a few ways this mindset can foster growth and improvement in our lives.
Building Resilience
When we have a delight mindset, we’re more likely to see setbacks as temporary.
Instead of getting stuck in negative feelings, we find moments of joy to help us push through.
This positive approach helps us learn from mistakes and grow stronger.
Furthermore, by focusing on delightful moments during tough times, we create a positive energy reserve.
This reserve gives us the strength and motivation to keep moving forward, even when things seem hard.
Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity
A delight mindset sparks our natural curiosity.
We start to see the world as a place full of exciting things to discover.
This curiosity can push us to try new activities, learn new skills, and explore new places.
With a delight mindset, the world becomes a classroom where every experience is a lesson, helping us grow and learn.
Strengthening Relationships
When we have a delight mindset, we naturally want to share our joy with others.
This can help strengthen our relationships. We become more understanding, patient, and kind because we see the positive in people and situations.
Our friends and family notice this change and are drawn to our positive energy.
Sharing moments of joy with loved ones creates bonds that are hard to break. These shared experiences build trust and understanding. Over time, our relationships become stronger, deeper, and more meaningful.
“The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing.”
― Isaac Asimov
How to Practice a Delight Mindset
A delight mindset can be achieved through mindful practices and accelerated with the use of daily delight affirmations or mantras.
Below we go over both.
Through the use of these practices and affirmations you’ll recognize the value of applying a delight mindset in your daily life.
13 Delight Mindset Tips & Practices
Start the Day with Gratitude
Starting your day by thinking of things you’re thankful for can set a positive tone for the entire day.
It’s like planting seeds of happiness every morning.
Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is about paying attention to your breath.
When you take deep breaths and really focus on them, you can calm your mind, feel more relaxed and really allow yourself to be in the present moment.
Nature Walks
Taking walks in nature – like parks, forests, or even your neighborhood – can help you find delight in the world around you.
You might see beautiful flowers, hear birds singing, or feel the breeze on your face.
Nature is full of little joys, and walking helps you discover them.
Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are kind, motivational phrases you tell yourself.
Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, think about what you can do.
Say things like, “I am strong,” or “I can handle this.”
Pretend you’re speaking to a friend and you’ll be amazed how much kinder and more supportive you’ll be.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.
You can write about good things that happened, things you’re looking forward to, or anything that’s on your mind.
Journaling will help you see all the delightful moments in your life.
Random Acts of Kindness
Doing nice things for others can bring joy to both you and them.
It could be as simple as giving someone a compliment, holding the door open, or sharing some of the sandwich you packed for lunch.
These acts of kindness spread delight and make the world a brighter place.
Limit Negative Media Inputs
Be careful about what you watch, read, or listen to.
Excessive negative news or radio/tv/internet content can bring down your mood and leave you in a funk.
Instead, choose things that make you feel good and inspire you.
Inspirational music is always a good choice.
Laugh Often
Laughter often is the best medicine and is a great way to cultivate delight.
Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or joke around with friends.
Laughter always brightens your day and makes you feel lighter and happier.
Practice Mindful Eating
When you eat, really focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food.
Enjoy every bite.
It’s a way of finding delight in something we do every day.
Connect with Loved Ones
Spend time with family and friends.
Sharing moments with loved ones can bring lots of joy.
Whether it’s a long chat, a short message, or just being together, these connections fill our lives with delight.
Even simply texting a photo or funny meme to a friend can keep you connected.
Create Art
Drawing, painting, or making crafts can be a great way to find delight.
Express yourself and create something beautiful.
Even if you’re not a particularly accomplished artist, just the act of creating can bring joy.
Listen to Music
Music has the power to change our mood.
Listen to uplifting songs that make you happy, sing along, or even dance.
It’s a simple way to bring delight into your day.
Stay Curious
Always be curious and ask questions.
Being curious helps you discover many delightful things in the world.
“A happy face is one of the most apparent indicators of pure delight.”
― Santosh Kalwar
12 Daily Delight Affirmations
“Every moment is an opportunity for delight.”
This affirmation helps you remember to keep your eyes open for those little gems.
It’s about finding joy in every situation, even the ones that might seem boring, ordinary or even difficult at first glance.
“I choose to see the joy in the ordinary.”
Not all special moments come with fireworks and fanfare.
Sometimes, happiness is hidden in everyday things like a kind note that a friend sent you or your favorite song on the radio.
This mantra reminds you to appreciate and find joy in simple, everyday experiences.
“Delight is a choice I make daily.”
Being happy isn’t always something that just happens to us; sometimes, we have to choose it.
This affirmation is about deciding, every day, to look for and focus on the positive things around us and discarding the trivial negative things that pop up.
“I am open to the surprises of life.”
This mantra encourages you to be open-minded and ready for whatever comes your way, good or bad.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things happen when we least expect them.
“Joy is all around. I only need to notice.”
Happiness isn’t always loud and flashy.
Sometimes, it’s quiet and subtle. So, slow down and pay attention to all the little things.
“I celebrate the small wonders in my life.”
Big moments, like birthdays or winning a game, are easy and commonplace to celebrate.
But this mantra is about appreciating the smaller moments and things in your life, too. Like running, potable water.
“I am worthy of joy and delight.”
Everyone deserves to feel happy and cherished, including you.
This affirmation is a reminder that you should allow yourself to enjoy life’s pleasures without feeling guilty or thinking you don’t deserve them.
“Every day, I find reasons to smile.”
No matter how your day is going, there’s always something to find delight in.
This mantra encourages you to find and focus on those things.
“I spread delight wherever I go.”
Happiness is contagious.
When you’re happy, it can spread to others and make their day better too.
“Life is full of delightful mysteries.”
There’s so much to learn and discover in the world.
This mantra reminds you that every day is an adventure and that there are always new things to be delighted by.
“My heart is open to life’s joys.”
To feel happiness, you have to be ready and open to it.
This mantra is about letting go of negativity and making space in your heart for all the good things life has to offer.
“I am surrounded by reasons to be delighted.”
Even on tough days, there are reasons to be happy.
This mantra helps you remember that there’s always something good happening around you.
You just have to notice it.
“I don’t delight in difficulty. Rather, I delight in the rescue from it and the resilient rise above it.”
― Tanya Ward Jordan
Go Forth and Embrace Your Delight Mindset
Having a delight mindset is about making every day an adventure.
When you’re really locked in, challenges don’t seem so overwhelming.
Instead of getting upset about a rainy day, you might see it as a chance to jump in puddles or hear the cozy sound of raindrops on the window.
By focusing on the bright side, problems become puzzles waiting to be solved and you begin to see joy everywhere.
So, joy be to you and have a great day!
“The pieces I chose were based on one thing only — a gasp of delight. Isn’t that the only way to curate a life?”
― Maira Kalman