The Power of Small Joys
The Power of Small Joys: Reclaiming Light After Darkness
Joy isn’t just a feeling — it’s a form of resistance.
For survivors of domestic violence, joy is not always easy to access. It can feel distant, frivolous, or even unsafe. But at Maison Femme, we believe joy is a birthright — and more than that, it is a powerful part of the healing process.
In this month's blog, we explore the profound role of joy in recovery, the neuroscience behind how small positive experiences can change the brain, and how each of us can begin to reclaim joy, one moment at a time.
Why Joy Matters for Survivors
Survivors of abuse often live in environments of chronic stress. This prolonged exposure to fear, anxiety, and unpredictability can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone associated with trauma. But the brain is not static — it is resilient, adaptable, and capable of transformation.
Studies in positive psychology and neuroscience have shown that even brief positive experiences — such as laughter, music, or time spent in nature — can:
Lower cortisol levels and reduce physical markers of stress (Zänkert et al., 2022)
Activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and recovery
Increase emotional resilience, enabling individuals to bounce back from adversity (Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004)
When survivors are supported in reclaiming moments of pleasure or calm, they are not just “feeling better.” They are actively rebuilding neural pathways that support long-term healing and hope.
What Counts as Joy?
Joy doesn’t need to be dramatic or perfect. It might look like:
Drinking tea in silence before the children wake up
Watching clouds shift on a breezy afternoon
Laughing at a silly video
Reconnecting with an old friend
Listening to a song that once brought comfort
As one of our counselors says:
“Joy is any moment where you feel safe enough to breathe fully.”
In that spirit, we encourage survivors to define joy on their own terms — no pressure, no timeline, just openness to the possibility of peace.
Reclaiming Joy, One Day at a Time
To help survivors and supporters incorporate joyful practices into everyday life, we’ve created the Small Joys Toolkit, a printable collection of ideas and reflections that center simple, nourishing activities.
👉 Download the Small Joys Toolkit (free and printable)
(We are currently hosting this resource with our friends at Caring Magazine)
Some of our favorite ideas from the toolkit include:
Write a thank-you note to yourself for how far you’ve come
Try a new fruit, drink, or spice
Read a poem slowly — out loud if possible
Watch the sunrise or sunset without distraction
Unfollow an account or person that drains your energy
These practices are not a replacement for therapy, advocacy, or safety planning — but they can complement the recovery journey by helping survivors reconnect with what makes life feel meaningful.
Additional Reading
For those who want to explore this topic further, we recommend:
Maison Femme Archives
Fresh Start and Healthy Mindset
https://www.maisonfemme.org/blog/fresh-start-healthy-mindset
Progress and Pursuing Equality
https://www.maisonfemme.org/blog/ddzcxy9hf9rl8d3dcaf8hag2d4br4j
Navigating Healing
https://www.maisonfemme.org/blog/38r53y43tr2prrranazhnf46wbkcs3-9zbw6
Academic & External Resources
Fredrickson, B. (2001). The Role of Positive Emotions in Positive Psychology. American Psychologist
Thoma et al. (2013). Cortisol and Positive Emotion: Associations and Clinical Implications
The Science of Happiness Podcast – Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley
Final Thoughts
Trauma recovery is complex. There are setbacks, fears, and days when simply getting out of bed is the victory.
But even then — and especially then — we believe in joy.
Not forced happiness. Not toxic positivity. But the authentic, quiet sparks of goodness that remind us: we are alive, we are worthy, and we are allowed to feel good again.
Joy is not a luxury.
It’s part of the healing.
Every small joy — a warm drink, a favorite song, a deep breath — is a quiet but radical act of defiance against what tried to silence us. Each of these moments, no matter how fleeting, affirms our right to feel safe, whole, and connected again.
So as we step into this new season, may we all give ourselves permission to seek what delights us, even briefly. Let’s honor the resilience it takes to smile, to laugh, to rest — not in spite of what we've been through, but because we deserve to thrive beyond it.