Henri Nouwen - Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day

the Daily Quote

Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 25th. Now, here's something worth smiling about—today is the National Day of Joy. Yes, it’s a real thing, not just a fancy excuse to eat a doughnut and call it emotional fulfillment—though, to be fair, that’s one very valid form of joy. This day is all about slowing down, finding happiness in the small moments, and rediscovering what truly brings you joy. And that brings us to today’s quote from Henri Nouwen, who once said:

"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."

That hits, doesn’t it? It’s a reminder that joy isn’t just a surprise guest that shows up at your door with balloons. It’s more like a stubborn cat you have to coax out with patience, consistency, and maybe a few treats. Henri Nouwen knew something we often forget in our rush to the next thing—joy isn’t passive. You don’t stumble into it like loose change on the sidewalk. You choose it. Even on the tough days. Especially on the tough days.

So, on this National Day of Joy, maybe the most radical thing you can do isn’t to chase a big thrill, but to pause and notice what already surrounds you. The quiet moment with your morning coffee, the ridiculous meme that made you laugh a little too loudly, or the text from someone who always spells your name wrong—but means well.

Joy is there.

Choose it.

I hope this quote gives you a little spark to carry forward. Keep choosing joy, and remember: even on the cloudy days, the sun hasn’t really gone anywhere.

That's gonna do it for today. I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now but I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time, same pod station with another Daily Quote.