Noticing Joy

Not all meaningful moments announce themselves. Many arrive quietly, asking only that we are present enough to notice.

Written by ISZL Director Barry Dequanne

It was one of those moments you do not plan for, but recognise as it happens. The sky softened into light and colour, and everything seemed to slow just enough. Our children were outside, running into the wind, trying again and again to lift a kite. There was laughter, a hint of frustration, and then laughter again, but above all, a sense that nothing else mattered beyond that small stretch of sky.

What stayed with me was the stillness within it. Not silence, but a quiet steadiness. A gentle reminder to pause and not move on too quickly. Just to remain for a moment. I have to admit, this does not always come easily to me. There is often a pull to move on, to think about what comes next, rather than stay with what is already here.

It was from this moment that the idea for Moments of Joy began.

I created a simple webpage to share my reflections and invite others to share theirs. What started as something personal has gradually become a shared space, shaped by the generosity of others. Each contribution offers a small, thoughtful glimpse into everyday life.

What has been both heartening and humbling is how people across different communities have chosen to share something personal and quietly beautiful. Together, these reflections form something larger than I had imagined: a reminder of what connects us and of how much there is to notice and hold with care in our daily lives. They offer a gentle practice of paying attention to what brings light to our days, and a quiet reminder of the kind of communities we seek to nurture.

Across these shared reflections, a quiet pattern has emerged. Joy is most often found not in extraordinary events, but in simple, everyday experiences, such as time with loved ones, small acts of care, moments in nature, and a deepening sense of gratitude for what is already present. These contributions suggest that joy is less something we pursue and more something we come to recognise. Perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that even in the presence of challenge or uncertainty, joy can sit gently alongside, offering steadiness, perspective, and a sense of shared humanity.

Today, on the International Day of Happiness, there is an opportunity to reflect not only on happiness, but also on something quieter and perhaps more enduring: joy.

Happiness often comes through circumstances, like success, celebration, or a moment when things unfold as hoped. It uplifts and energises. Joy, by contrast, is less dependent on outcomes and more rooted in presence, connection, and meaning. It is often found in what might otherwise pass quietly – a shared glance, a conversation, a brief moment of stillness in a full day.

At a time when many are carrying worry or uncertainty, these moments of joy do not diminish that reality, but they can sit gently alongside it.

In our schools, there is a responsibility not only to support learning but to help create spaces where people feel connected, seen, and valued. Making room to notice and share moments of joy may be one small way of strengthening that sense of belonging and care within a community.

With that in mind, if you feel inclined, you are kindly invited to share a moment of joy you recently noticed via this form: Your Moment of Joy. It will be posted here for others to read and appreciate:

Moments of Joy

With gratitude,

Barry