Joy is often seen as an elusive, fleeting feeling—a momentary spark that brightens our day before fading into the background of life’s challenges. But what if joy didn’t have to be ephemeral? What if it could be something sustainable, authentic, and infinite? At More ∞ Joy, we believe joy is a practice, a mindset, and a way of showing up in the world. It’s about embracing the messiness of life, finding beauty in imperfections, and choosing radical acceptance of where you are in this moment.
Embrace the Stains
Life’s imperfections—the messy, the awkward, the unexpected—are often treated as flaws to be hidden. But what if we reframed those stains as opportunities for growth and creativity? Just as the Japanese art of Kintsugi uses gold to repair broken pottery, highlighting the cracks rather than concealing them, Chromatic Kintsugi is about turning life’s “stains” into vibrant, meaningful art.
In my dash-dye process, stains become starting points. A stray splash of dye or an uneven fold transforms into a unique pattern, representing the beauty of imperfection and the journey of self-discovery. It’s a philosophy that reminds us to accept where we are, even if it’s messy, and to find joy in creating something beautiful from it.
Joy Requires Authenticity
The ∞ symbol in More ∞ Joy isn’t just a design choice—it’s a reminder that infinite, sustainable joy comes from showing up authentically and soberly. For years, I used alcohol as a way to mask my imperfections, to let myself show up messy without truly embracing that messiness. Now, I’ve learned to show up sober, messy, and human—and in doing so, I’ve discovered a more profound, sustainable joy.
True joy isn’t about perfection or trying to control every detail. It’s about radical acceptance—accepting your flaws, stains, and unique story. When we embrace who we are, we can show up in the world with the freedom to create, connect, and thrive.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy
While embracing stains and authenticity is foundational, joy is nurtured through small, intentional practices. Here are some ways to bring more joy into your life:
Allow Yourself Pleasure: Permit yourself to enjoy simple pleasures, especially during tough times.
Pursue Activities You Enjoy: Whether trying a new hobby, dancing, cooking, or playing a game, make time for the things that light you up.
Spend Time with Loved Ones: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you’re thankful for, no matter how small.
Be Kind and Helpful: Acts of kindness, even small ones, can create ripple effects of joy.
Take Care of Your Health: Physical well-being impacts emotional well-being. Exercise and eat in ways that nourish your body.
Practice Mindfulness: Pause to savor the present moment through meditation, journaling, or breathing deeply.
Focus on What You Can Control: Let go of what’s outside your control and channel your energy into what’s within your power.
Invest in Experiences: Shared experiences often bring more lasting joy than material possessions.
Normalize Being Human
Joy also comes from normalizing what it means to be human—messy, flawed, and imperfect. I wear my dash-dyed pieces as a way of communicating this truth. Each piece is a visual representation of imperfection turned into art, a reminder that pursuing what makes you happy is okay, even if it looks like a stain to someone else.
You permit others to do the same when you show up sober and messy. You normalize being human and, in doing so, create space for genuine connection, creativity, and joy. So wear your colors, pursue the art that lights you up, and celebrate the beauty of your imperfections. Because joy isn’t about erasing the stains; it’s about transforming them into something extraordinary.
