Finding Joy on the Road & Resources For When You’re Not Feeling It
Joy is not the same thing as happiness. It’s also not the opposite of depression. It’s a deeper, more enduring state of being where you feel secure, peaceful, and supported. Joy is always within you like an internal compass that can guide you back to a sense of contentment, no matter where the road takes you.
As Escapees and Xscapers, we live extraordinary lives—exploring bucket-list destinations, camping under star-studded skies, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Whether you’re parked among friends or relishing peaceful solitude, life on the road is undeniably unique. But it’s also life—and with it comes stress, anxieties, and those moments where joy feels just out of reach.
It’s easy to be in awe atop a mountain peak or to feel bliss on a serene beach, but what happens when those moments pass? That lingering feeling of "something is missing" can creep in. It's natural to wonder: How can I find something deeper, something that stays with me wherever I go?
The answer lies in joy.
But What Is Joy?
Joy is not the same thing as happiness. It’s also not the opposite of depression. It’s a deeper, more enduring state of being where you feel secure, peaceful, and supported.
Unlike happiness, which often depends on external circumstances, joy is always within you. It’s like an internal compass that can guide you back to a sense of contentment, no matter where the road takes you.
But sometimes, even knowing this, we struggle to tap into that joy. And that’s okay—it’s part of being human. What matters is learning to redirect our attention and build habits that invite joy into our daily lives.
Simple Ways to Invite More Joy Into Your Life
Savor the Positive
Our brains are wired to notice the negative—a survival instinct known as negativity bias. While this helped our ancestors survive, it doesn’t serve us as well in today’s world. The good news? You can retrain your brain to see the positive by consciously focusing on it.
Make a conscious choice to focus on just one good thing each day and then milk it for all it’s worth. Start small and simple. Write it down, say it out loud, and share it with others. The more you focus on the positive aspects the more you’ll see positive things showing up in your life.
Keep in mind though, that there is still some old momentum active so don’t get discouraged if you aren’t noticing right away! Practice makes pattern!
Limit Negative Inputs
24-hour news cycles and endless scrolls of bad news can overwhelm anyone. Instead of disconnecting entirely, set boundaries:
- Limit your news intake to 30 minutes a day.
- Replace background TV noise with uplifting music or podcasts.
- Start your mornings with something positive, like the Good News Network or Greater Good Magazine.
Discover Joyful Resources
Join the Joy Lab Program: This evidence-based program introduces you to the 12 Elements of Joy—like Resilience, Savoring, and Curiosity—helping you cultivate them in practical, realistic ways. Everything in the program is doable—whether you’re settled in at a campground, boondocking out in the desert, or parked at a Cracker Barrel for the night. You simply need your smartphone (or computer) and the grace to give yourself one hour each week.
Listen to uplifting podcasts: Some favorites include The Joy Lab Podcast, Ted Talks Daily, and The Good Life Project
When You’re Struggling
Some days, joy feels harder to reach—and that’s perfectly okay. If you find yourself in a rut, remember there’s no shame in asking for help.
Connect with your community:
Fellow Escapees and Xscapers are incredible sources of support.
Reach out to professionals:
Mental health resources are accessible online to fit your mobile lifestyle.
Remember, you are wired for joy—it’s always there, waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re gazing at a breathtaking sunset or simply taking a deep breath in the middle of a stressful drive, know that joy is within you, ready to light your path.
Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with peace, wonder, and a little extra joy today.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
