Sparking joy ✨
And other acts of service
I recall many years ago, while doing my social work degree, learning that supporting a client to have hope was part of successful therapeutic outcomes. I integrated that into my practice framework, inspired by the knowledge that eliciting a ‘feeling’ was as important as any theory or techniques I might use.
I determined that remaining hopeful when I’m working with a client was one of my tasks. I was drawn to practice approaches founded on hope, such as the ‘evoking’ skills of motivational interviewing that turn the spotlight onto a client’s positive change talk.
Over time, I have come to feel the same way about joy.
Sparking joy is not just for those doing a deep clean and de-clutter (cue Marie Kondo, stage left). As a human services professional, it is essential in the lives of the people we serve.
When I think about how I know this, I need only look inward. My own n=1 research study.
My experience of joy is intrinsically associated with a good life. I’m not saying that myself, or others, must feel joyful at all times. Rather, I am observing that when joy is a common feature of my life, I know my life is rich with meaning. I have resilience and coping skills. My cup is pretty full. I am connected, whether it be to nature, others, self or my purpose.
In the work I do with people with disabilities, helping their supports to also include activities and skills for more ‘fun’ in their life is a core focus. Importantly, I am also keen to avoid crafting a vanilla life. One that satisfies all the boxes for care, but has no spark of the unique qualities of that person’s life.
Just as this is key for me, so too I need to ask of my clients: what rocks your boat? If they can’t answer directly, I can observe. In what circumstances do I see their face light up? Is it the sight of their pet, a childhood memory, a certain piece of music? What is precious and cherished in their life?
Today I was talking with someone I have done my own therapeutic work with. At exactly the same time, we both raised the same topic of what brings me joy. Snap. It felt like an important coincidence for me to notice.
I was talking with them about how, many years ago, I had a much fuller life. Experiences that got me out of my head, and into my body. When I think of those ‘joy points’, most of them are outside, in nature. Most of them involve me pushing myself out of my comfort zone. None of them involve me sitting on the couch, finishing off the latest Netflix series in which I’ve become immersed.
They suggested a way to help me reconnect with my joy. It was simple: start with a ‘yes’. Try new things, both opportunities and invitations. In behaviour support terms, we call it ‘activity sampling’. Both during and after the activity, take a moment to observe: ‘did I enjoy this?’ If so, add it to your list.
When I reflect further on the importance of joy in my life and that of my clients, I am reminded that one of the beautiful aspects of human services is that the work really has no beginning or end. It is about universal human experience. Clients and practitioners alike, what binds us together is much stronger than what separates us.
We can also be our own client. If my cup is full, I can help fill the cup of others. If my spark of joy is lit, I can inspire hope in the heart of another.
