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What Brings You Joy College Essay Example

In a world bustling with the cacophony of daily demands and societal expectations, joy stands as a coveted yet elusive emotion that often takes a back seat in the pursuit of success and responsibilities. As I navigate the corridors of life, both in its complexities and simplicities, I find myself drawn to the profound question: What brings me joy?

This introspective exploration has led me to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, seeking to unravel the unique tapestry of moments, experiences, and connections that ignite the radiant flame of joy within me.

In this essay, I invite you to delve into the heart of my reflections, as I delve into the myriad facets that contribute to my personal sense of joy. From the gleam of sunlight dancing on dew-kissed petals to the soul-stirring resonance of a beloved melody, my pursuit of joy encompasses an array of sensations, both subtle and striking.

Moreover, I will endeavor to uncover the underlying philosophy that drives my quest for joy, touching upon the intrinsic human desire for genuine connections, personal growth, and meaningful contributions.

Through the pages that follow, you will witness the ebbs and flows of my journey, traversing landscapes of laughter and contemplation, as well as moments of triumph and vulnerability.

In sharing my experiences, I aim not only to paint a vivid portrait of my own sources of joy but also to encourage a collective introspection, inviting you to explore the inner sanctums of your heart and unearth the unique treasures that illuminate your own path towards happiness.

As I embark on this expedition into the heart of joy, I hope to shed light not only on the power of embracing life’s simple pleasures but also on the profound significance of forging authentic connections with oneself and the world around us.

Join me in this exploration of the kaleidoscope of emotions that constitutes the mosaic of our lives, as together we unravel the enigmatic question: What brings you joy?

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What Brings You Joy College Essay: Unveiling Your True Self

In a sea of college applications, your essay is your chance to shine. Expressing what brings you joy in a college essay allows you to reveal your authentic self and demonstrate your enthusiasm for life. Through this essay, you can convey your passions, values, and unique perspective.

Finding Inspiration: Exploring Your Sources of Joy

Embracing your passions.

Unleash your creativity by delving into your hobbies, interests, and creative pursuits. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in community service, showcasing your passions can demonstrate your commitment and dedication.

Reflecting on Personal Experiences

Draw from your personal experiences to connect with the reader on a deeper level. Highlight moments that have brought you happiness, growth, or a sense of accomplishment. Sharing anecdotes can make your essay memorable and relatable.

Related: What is the format of a term paper?

Exploring Relationships and Connections

Joy often stems from relationships and connections. Discuss the people, friendships, or mentors who have played a significant role in your life. Exploring these relationships can offer insights into your values and the meaningful connections you’ve formed.

Crafting Your Narrative: Writing a Captivating Essay

Creating a strong opening.

Begin your essay with a captivating hook that immediately engages the reader. This could be a thought-provoking question, a powerful quote, or a vivid description that sets the tone for your essay.

Developing a Compelling Storyline

Organize your essay coherently, guiding the reader through a well-structured narrative. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one, creating a seamless flow that keeps the reader invested.

Showcasing Your Voice

Your essay is a platform to showcase your unique voice and perspective. Use descriptive language, anecdotes, and personal insights to make your essay come to life. Avoid clichés and strive for authenticity.

Highlighting Growth and Reflection

Discuss how your sources of joy have influenced your personal growth and development. Admissions officers appreciate applicants who can reflect on their experiences and demonstrate self-awareness.

What Brings You Joy College Essay Example “500 Words”

Joy, a radiant and profound emotion, is an essential facet of the human experience that enriches our lives and infuses them with a sense of fulfillment and contentment. For me, the sources of joy are diverse, yet interconnected, contributing to a tapestry of emotions that enhance my well-being and create moments of happiness that linger long after they have passed.

One of the primary sources of joy in my life is forging meaningful connections with others. The warmth of a genuine smile, the camaraderie shared with friends, and the deep bonds of family all contribute to a sense of belonging that brings me immeasurable joy.

Engaging in heartfelt conversations, sharing laughter, and supporting each other through life’s trials and triumphs create a tapestry of emotional connections that enrich my life and fill it with joy.

The pursuit of personal growth and the accomplishment of goals are also potent wellsprings of joy in my life. Setting ambitious targets and working diligently to achieve them not only empowers me but also fosters a deep sense of satisfaction.

Whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a challenging project, or conquering a physical endeavor, the joy that comes from these accomplishments fuels my motivation and drives me to continually strive for excellence.

Engaging fully in activities that align with my passions and talents evokes a sense of joy that is unparalleled. When I am engrossed in painting, playing a musical instrument, or writing, a state of flow envelops me, and time seems to stand still.

This immersion in creative pursuits not only refines my skills but also offers a genuine sense of contentment and accomplishment that uplifts my spirits and leaves me with a lasting sense of joy.

Practicing gratitude and mindfulness has also been a transformative source of joy in my life. Being present in the moment, embracing life’s simple pleasures, and acknowledging the abundance that surrounds me shift my perspective and amplify my experiences of joy.

Expressing gratitude for the blessings, both big and small, serves as a reminder of the positivity that exists within and around me, filling my heart with a profound sense of happiness.

Acts of kindness and giving, whether small or grand, have an indelible impact on my sense of joy. Engaging in selfless acts, whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, offering a helping hand to someone in need, or simply sharing a kind word, creates a ripple effect of positivity that radiates back to me. Witnessing the happiness and gratitude of others as a result of my actions magnifies my own joy and reinforces the interconnectedness of human emotions.

In conclusion, the sources of joy in my life are diverse and interconnected, contributing to a rich tapestry of emotions that enhance my well-being and bring a sense of fulfillment. From nurturing meaningful connections and achieving personal growth to immersing myself in creative pursuits, practicing gratitude, and spreading kindness, these elements collectively weave a narrative of joy that colors the fabric of my existence.

As I continue to explore life’s intricacies, I am reminded that joy is not a fleeting emotion but a profound state of being that enriches my experiences and imbues them with a radiant light that guides me through both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

FAQ’s About Writing a “What Brings You Joy” College Essay

Q: can i write about more than one source of joy.

Absolutely! You can explore multiple sources of joy in your essay. Just ensure that each source is discussed in-depth, and the essay maintains a coherent and focused narrative.

Q: Should I include challenges or obstacles related to my sources of joy?

Yes, addressing challenges can add depth to your essay. However, focus on how you overcame these obstacles and how they contributed to your personal growth and resilience.

Q: Is there a specific structure I should follow for the essay?

While there’s no strict formula, a common structure includes an engaging introduction, body paragraphs discussing different sources of joy, and a conclusion that ties everything together.

Q: How can I make my essay stand out?

Infuse your essay with your unique personality, experiences, and insights. Avoid generic or clichéd content, and be sure to revise and edit your essay for clarity and coherence.

Q: Should I use humor in my essay?

Using humor can be effective if it aligns with your writing style and the overall tone of the essay. Just ensure that any humor is tasteful and appropriate.

Q: Can I mention future aspirations related to my sources of joy?

Absolutely! Sharing your future aspirations can demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset and how your sources of joy are integral to your long-term goals.

Final Words

Writing a college essay on “What Brings You Joy” is an opportunity to authentically share your passions, experiences, and values with admissions officers. By exploring your sources of joy and crafting a compelling narrative, you can create an essay that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember to infuse your unique voice, reflect on personal growth, and showcase the aspects that make you stand out. Your college essay is your canvas—paint it with the vibrant colors of your joy.

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College Info , College Essays

Got your heart set on Princeton—the #1 ranked university in the US ? Then you'll need to learn how to write amazing Princeton essays for your Princeton Supplement, a key part of your application for admission.

In this detailed guide, we go over the different types of essays you'll be required to write for your Princeton application and provide you with some expert tips on how to write your most effective and unique essay possible.

Feature Image: James Loesch /Flickr

What Are the Princeton Essays?

The Princeton application requires five essays and three short answers from all applicants. One of these essays must answer a prompt provided by the Common Application , Coalition Application , or QuestBridge Application (depending on which system you choose to submit your Princeton application through).

The other four essay prompts , as well as the three short answer prompts, are part of the Princeton Supplement . The Princeton Supplement also requires an Engineering Essay from applicants who have indicated on their applications an interest in pursuing a BS in Engineering (B.S.E.). Students applying to the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree program and those who are undecided must submit a supplemental essay as well.

Below, we'll look at each prompt in the Princeton Supplement. So let's get started!

While the Princeton supplement is submitted electronically, you might find that brainstorming the old fashioned way (with pen and paper!) helps you get your ideas organized.

The Bachelor of Arts/Undecided and the Bachelor of Science and Engineering Essays

Your first long essay is 250 words long and is assigned based on what you plan to major in. You will only need to answer one of these prompts .

The first prompt is for Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree and undecided applicants to respond to. If you are applying for the A.B. degree program or if you put undecided on your application, you must respond to this essay prompt in the first section of the supplement.

The second prompt is for Bachelor of Science and Engineering (B.S.E.) applicants to respond to. All applicants who indicate they'd like to pursue a bachelor of science in engineering degree must respond to this prompt. Next, we'll break down what each prompt is asking you to do and how to respond to it.

The good news is that both prompts are versions of the "Why This College?" essay, which is a pretty common essay to encounter on college applications. If you want more info on how to answer this type of question more generally, be sure to check out this article .

The A.B. Degree and Undecided Applicants Prompt

For A.B. Degree Applicants or Those Who are Undecided:

As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

This question is asking you to make a case for why you'll be an excellent fit as a liberal arts student at Princeton . You can make your case in your response to this prompt by showing that you understand the value of the liberal arts education that Princeton offers, and that you've thought about how Princeton's programs fit your academic and future goals.

In addition to asking you to show how Princeton is a good fit for you, this prompt is really asking you to highlight why you are a good fit for Princeton. Everyone knows that Princeton is highly competitive, so your response to this prompt is your chance to show that you'll bring valuable intellectual interests and perspectives to the Princeton community as well.

What Makes A Good Answer?

#1: Show how you're unique. Are you excited to geek out about the connections between critical human geography and twenty-first century Arabic literature? To explore the relationships between psychology and social media? If you've got a weird, quirky, or unique set of academic interests, this is the place to go into detail about them. A good answer to this question will nail down one or more specific academic areas that you get genuinely pumped about and why you're interested in them. This is your chance to show the thought processes behind your choice to pursue an A.B. degree at Princeton...or why you put "undecided" on your application.

#2: Connect to Princeton's program offerings. You could name specific professors you hope to work with who share your interests, courses you'd be thrilled to take, or special program offerings you hope to participate in (like study abroad or research opportunities). In order to make your response to this part of the question genuine, you'll have to do your research on the programs you're interested in and really know your stuff. This will show admissions counselors that you're interested in going to Princeton because it's a good fit for you, not because it's ranked #1 on college lists.

#3: Be honest . Your response should make it clear that you've spent a lot of time thinking about your academic interests. Make sure you're telling the truth: don't pick an academic area just because you think it's impressive. To show your sincerity, make sure you're being specific about why you're interested in the area you're writing about. This will help your passion come across on the page.

What Should You Avoid?

#1: Avoid generalities. You don't want to respond to this question with general fields of study or disciplines. For instance, saying that "history" or "art" piques your curiosity won't be specific enough. Instead of "history," you could say, "I'm curious about how war monuments and memorials in the U.S. impact the communities they 're located in." Above all, you want to describe specific issues, questions, or perspectives in your areas of academic interest that you hope to explore when you become a student at Princeton.

#2: Don't focus on past achievements. This question isn't the place to talk about your academic achievements and awards from high school. Here's why: Princeton admissions isn't necessarily looking to learn about why you're good at the subjects you're interested in. They want to understand why you're curious about those areas and why you want to study them at Princeton.

3 Tips For Answering This Prompt

#1: Start with your interests. Start by brainstorming which academic interests you want to talk about. You might have to think for a little while! If you know you want to major in African American Studies, take some time to write out the historical, political, and economic issues and questions that get you excited about majoring in this field. Let the specific aspects of the fields of study you're considering be the foundation for your answer.

#2: Do your research. Once you've brainstormed the specific aspects of your major or possible majors that you're most curious about, head over to Princeton's website to search for more information. If it's African American Studies, comb through every sentence on that major's website. Look into the interests of professors in this department, courses they teach, and events hosted by the department. You can even talk about your interest in working with specific professors or taking specific courses in your response.

#3: Be specific. The more specific you can be about your academic interests, the more likely your answer is to appeal to Princeton admissions. You don’t have to have your entire degree plan mapped out, but you do need to show that you're already thinking carefully about how you'll forge your path forward as an independent thinker and intellectual citizen once you start at Princeton.

The B.S.E. Degree Applicant Prompt

For B.S.E Degree Applicants:

Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer.)

This prompt is specific for applicants who want to major in engineering at Princeton. Essentially, this prompt is asking you to highlight the factors in your background and experiences that have influenced you to pursue engineering.

More specifically , this prompt wants you to explain why Princeton engineering is the program for you.

#1: Showcase your background. A good answer to this question will explain why you're interested in engineering. For instance, maybe you grew up in a city that experiences earthquakes, so you want to study civil engineering to make buildings safer. Or maybe your parents and grandparents are engineers and you're passionate about carrying on the family legacy. Whatever your story, telling some of it will provide important context for your interest in engineering.

#2: Connect your interest to Princeton. Admissions counselors want to know why Princeton engineering is the only program for you. For example, say you want to focus on engineering for health professions. During your research, you read that Princeton students are developing new personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. This essay is a perfect place for you to explain that you want to join this research project! Making connections to real people, courses, and proj ects wi ll show that you're excited about the unique opportunities provided by Princeto n engineering .

#3: Share your research interests. In addition to stating a specific subfield of engineering that you're interested in (if possible), a good response to this prompt will describe your interest in key issues or questions pertaining to the subfield of engineering you want to stud y. For example, if you hope to become a chemical engineer who works with cruelty-free cosmetics, describe that research interest here. While it's important to be flexible, and it's okay if you don't have your whole future with engineering planned out, being able to describe some of your vision for your future in Princeton Engineering is a crucial part of a good response.

#1: Avoid discussing awards and achievements. Avoid talking about awards, competitions, or other academic achievements if possible. Princeton admissions can find out those details from other parts of your application. Instead, showcase the passion behind your interest in engineering. Instead of describing achievements, describe moments of inspiration in your story that have led you to pursue engineering at Princeton.

#2: Don't skip the context. You don't want to describe your specific interests in engineering without connecting them to what Princeton has to offer. Make sure you describe specific courses, professors, or research projects. Do your research and make sure your interests coincide with the possibilities Princeton provides.

Tip #1: Start with the research. It will be tough to write a meaningful response to this prompt if you haven't done some serious research about the B.S.E. program at Princeton. Get really acquainted with the B.S.E. program's website. Gather the info you need to incorporate information about professors you want to work with, research projects you'd like to work on, and courses you're eager to take.

Tip #2: Focus on your experiences. Incorporating your background with engineering is important to a good response here, but you need to be strategic about what details you include. Describe the moment your interest in engineering began, the most exciting experience you've had with engineering, or what gets you pumped about studying engineering at Princeton. Revealing where your interest in engineering comes from can help prove that the B.S.E. program is a good fit for you.

Tip #3: Be specific. State the subfield of engineering that you're interested in and/or what engineering issues pique your curiosity. Princeton wants to know that you already have a vision for how you'll be an active engineering student!

The Your Voice Supplement

The "Your Voice" supplement section consists of two required, approximately 250 word essays. The prompts for these essays (below) are asking you to give Princeton admissions a sense of how your past and ongoing experiences shape the kind of student you will be at Princeton.

In other words, the "Your Voice" supplement is asking you to show evidence that you live out values that fit with Princeton's values. So, to answer these two required questions, start thinking about points in your ongoing story that reflect your commitment to having hard conversations and serving others. We'll get into the specifics of how to write about your story in response to each prompt next.

Prompt #1: The Difficult Conversation Prompt

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)

The first of the required "Your Voice" supplements is asking you to show that you're capable of engaging in civil discourse with others on campus —even when the topic of conversation is tough to talk about or goes against your own beliefs and values. For this essay, you’ll need to pick an experience or two from your life that has helped shape the way you interact with all sorts of people, even those you disagree with on things.

Describing these experiences and the lessons you’ve learned from them will help show that you’re prepared to respect and listen to others on campus who don’t have the exact same perspectives on things as you. A good response to this prompt will also show that you can push through uncomfortable situations and learn new things from others, and that you can help others around you do the same. 

#1: Share a real experience. Thinking of a challenging experience that seems meaningful enough to include in an application essay might feel...well, challenging. Nevertheless, you want your story to be as truthful as possible .

Princeton Admissions knows that you probably didn't change the world from one difficult conversation or situation. What they want to know is that you're willing to have tough conversations and listen to others with different viewpoints than your own. So, pick a memory of an experience that challenged you, taught you a lesson, or helped you grow. More specifically, make sure it’s an experience that has helped prepare you for the different perspectives and challenges you’ll encounter from others on campus. Try and recall as many details about what happened as you can, and draft a description of the situation that’s as true to real events as possible. 

#2: Be thoughtful. Did you learn something new during the experience(s) or lesson(s) you're writing about? Explain what you learned from it in your response! For instance, perhaps you learned that being a nonjudgmental listener can help others feel more comfortable with listening to what you have to say. Whatever you learned, make sure you describe it in your response. This will show Princeton Admissions that you're open to learning and growing.

#3: Show you're forward thinking. How will the knowledge you gained from this experience (or experiences, if you choose to write about more than one) shape your behavior as a Princeton student? Think about what college is like: you'll encounter students, faculty, and staff from all over the world. This means you'll be in constant contact with different values, cultures, and ways of thinking about the world. Princeton wants to know that you're prepared to participate in this environment in positive ways!

#1: Don't disparage anyone. Even if the conversation or experience you're describing was incredibly frustrating, don't insult the other people who were involved. Instead, show empathy toward the people you interacted with. Princeton Admissions wants to know that you're a person who can extend empathy to many different kinds of people to be a good student and citizen.

#2: Don't brag. Don't brag about what you accomplished. Instead, focus on what you learned from the conversation --even if you think that the other people involved were totally wrong and you were totally right. Admissions counselors want to know that you learned from your experience.

2 Tips For Answering This Prompt

Tip #1: Pick an experience or lesson that impacted you. You should definitely write about an experience that was meaningful to you, rather than one that you think is impressive or controversial. This is your chance to show how you’ve made the most of your unique experiences—you’re giving Princeton an idea of who you are, what you’re capable of, and how this all came to be. Take time to reflect on tough situations you’ve encountered and lessons you’ve learned before drafting your response. 

Tip #2: Connect the topic to college life. While you obviously need to describe the topic of your experience, how you handled it, and what you learned from it, a crucial part of your response is how it prepared you to be an engaged, ethical member of the Princeton community. Be sure to focus part of your response on explaining how what you learned will guide your life as a Princeton student. Whichever experiences or lessons you choose, you’ll need to explain how you can use what you’ve learned to have respectful and insightful conversations with people across Princeton’s campus. 

This is a chance to tell your story and show how committed you are to being a good citizen.

Prompt #2: The Service and Your Story Prompt

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (250 words or fewer)

This supplement prompt is asking you to show your commitment to serving others and/or being an engaged citizen —and you'll need to describe a specific experience or idea that demonstrates this commitment.

When the prompt asks "how does your own story intersect with these ideals," it means that you should think of real things you've done or real values you hold that motivate your civic engagement. This is a key part of the story you'll have to share in your response.

#1: Tell a story. Basically, the prompt is assuming that who you are and what you value will motivate how you serve others and participate as an engaged citizen. To answer this prompt effectively, then, think about telling the story behind your decision to serve or fulfill your civic responsibilities in a specific way.

#2: Connect it to your local life. The decisions we make about our community involvement are often personal. For instance, maybe someone in your family recovered from cancer as a child, so your story with service involves gathering donations for a pediatric cancer care center in the region where you live. Think about the personal connections that you've made, then include them in your response.

#3: Consider the future. Maybe you don't have much experience with service or civic engagement yet, but you have a big vision for how you'll serve and engage in the Princeton community. This prompt is a chance to describe the details of that vision. Alternatively, if you have existing experience with service and civic engagement and want to continue serving in similar ways at Princeton, share your ideas about how you'll accomplish that. Service and civic engagement are lifelong commitments—describing your ideas about how you'll serve in the future will show that you're prepared for that commitment.

#1: Don't be condescending. While it's likely that the people you've served in the past learned things from you, don't focus your response on describing how wonderful you are . Instead, focus on how your service and civic engagement experiences have refined your values and helped you become a better human, which is what Princeton admissions wants to hear about.

#2: Avoid delusions of grandeur. If you decide to include a description of how you hope to serve once you get to Princeton, don't get too carried away. For example, you probably aren't going to get every single Princeton student registered to vote...but you can probably make some progress. Be realistic about your ideas for how you'll serve in the future. Princeton admissions just wants you to show dedication to service and civic engagement. They don't expect you to solve all of the world's problems.

Tip #1: Tell a story. It's important to coach your answer in the form of a story. Describe who you served, what the service looked like, and why you decided to serve in this way. If possible, connect it to your background, your identity, or your values. Turning your service experience into a story for Princeton admissions will make it more memorable.

Tip #2: Describe the impact. Princeton Admissions doesn't just want to know the story of your past experience with service—they also want to know how the experience continues to impact you today. Describe what you learned from the experience, how it changed you, and how it shapes your current actions and values.

Tip #3: Connect it to your future. Connect your story about your service to your vision for your life as a student at Princeton. This will let admissions know that you'll also be an exceptional student outside of the classroom in the Princeton community.

The "More About You" Short Answer Supplements

The "More About You" short answer section of the Princeton Supplement is your last chance to show who you are: the real person behind all of the stats, scores, and successes that the rest of your application showcases. In fact, the instructions for this required portion of the supplement are clear: "There are no right or wrong answers. Be yourself!"

This means that, in 50 words or fewer, you'll need to give admissions counselors a clearer picture of the "you" behind the application. All three of the "More About You" short answer questions are required, and each one gives you a chance to provide a little more context for your desire to be a student at Princeton.

#1: The New Skill Prompt

What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (50 words)

To answer this question, all you need to do is describe a skill that you want to learn in college! There are a couple of different ways that you could interpret this prompt. Just remember: answer honestly.

For starters, you could think of the prompt as asking about a skill that you want to learn from your actual college courses . If this is the path you choose, you could write about how you want to learn to produce a podcast, to lead a Socratic Seminar, or to write a winning elevator pitch. Connecting the skill you want to learn to your areas of academic interests is a solid strategy.

Alternatively, you could think more generally about any skill you want to learn during your time in college ! For example, maybe you struggle with public speaking, and you want to learn to share your ideas more clearly in your classes and your extracurriculars. Writing about skills that are more oriented towards exploring your identity, background, or interests outside of academics is perfectly fine here too.

Whatever skill you decide to write about, it's important to briefly explain why you want to learn that skill. For instance, if you were writing about learning to bake like your grandmother, you might explain that this skill has been passed down in your family for generations, and you'd like to pass it down as well. If you want to learn how to produce a podcast, maybe you'd explain that you were searching for an interesting podcast on Marxist economics, but couldn't find one that had good production quality, so you want to learn how to produce one yourself.

#2: The Joy Prompt

What brings you joy? (50 words)

The same principles go for this prompt: write your response about something that genuinely brings you joy. It could be an activity, a person or relationship, or an experience you've had. To answer this question, simply describe the thing that brings you joy.

A good answer to this question will identify one specific thing that brings you joy, then describe it with gusto. For example, if the thing that brings you joy is building model planes with your little brother, briefly tell the story of why that experience brings you joy. Maybe you like the challenge of focusing on small details, or perhaps your joy comes from building something with your hands.

Briefly giving these specific details will show how the thing that brings you joy reflects your values and identity --both of which will give more clues as to the kind of person you'll be as a student at Princeton.

#3: The Soundtrack of Your Life Prompt

What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words)

This short answer is fun! Keep your song selection relatively clean, of course, but otherwise, just think of a song that you're literally listening to on repeat right now , or pick a song that symbolizes your current experience. Then explain why!

For example, maybe you'll write about "Inner Child" by BTS because getting ready to leave home for college in the midst of so much has made you reflect on your younger years. Or, if you've literally listened to "my future" by Billie Eilish one thousand times since its release, briefly write about why you can't stop hitting repeat.

Don't overthink this prompt: the music we love reveals things about our personality and how we cope with the realities of our lives. Just be real, and you'll show Princeton admissions another facet of your genuine personality and how you process the world.

How to Write a Great Princeton Essay: 4 Key Tips

To wrap up, here are some final tips to keep in mind as you write your Princeton essays and any other essays for college applications.

#1: Be Specific

A vague essay is certain to squelch your chances of getting into Princeton, so make sure you're being as specific as possible in your writing.

For example, if you're writing about somebody who inspired you, touch on the little quirks or traits they have to help the admissions committee more easily visualize this person, such as their subtle mannerisms, the way they handled stress, or their perseverance in a difficult situation.

Remember that you're writing about something real, whether that's a person, event, object, or experience. Your aim should be to make the subject of your essay feel as real to your readers as it did and does for you.

Other ways to ensure that you're being specific enough in your essay are to use common literary devices such as anecdotes, dialogue (an actual conversation you had with someone), imagery, and onomatopoeia. These not only add color to your writing but also paint the subject of your essay in a more effective, relatable way.

Lastly, I recommend getting somebody else to read over your essay (which I talk about more in tip 4); this person can let you know if your writing isn't specific enough and if too much is left to be implied.

#2: Be Honest and Use Your Voice

The whole point of writing an essay for a college application is to show the admissions committee who you are. In short, what makes you you ? This is why it's so critical to use an authentic voice in your Princeton essays.

For example, if you love making people laugh (and think humor is one of your defining traits), then it might be a good idea to include a joke or two in your personal essay.

However, don't exaggerate anything that happened to you or any feelings you might have —the admissions committee will more than likely be able to see through it. Remember that you want your voice and feelings to come across strongly but also (and more importantly) authentically.

Don't claim in your engineering essay that you've liked engineering since you were 3 years old if you only recently developed an interest in it. Lying about or exaggerating anything in your essay will simply make you seem insincere and, yes, even immature. So avoid it!

#3: Write Well and Avoid Clichés

You'll need to be a decent writer if you're hoping to get into Princeton—one of the most selective universities in the US ! On the technical side, this means that your Princeton essays should have no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

If you're unsure about a certain grammar rule, such as how to use a semicolon correctly, feel free to consult our SAT grammar guide for a quick refresher.

Writing well also means varying up your sentence lengths and styles (in other words, don't start every sentence with "I," even though you're likely talking about yourself).

On the more stylistic side, your essays should really grab your audience's attention—and keep it throughout. Therefore, you'll need to come up with a unique way to hook your readers from the beginning. For example, you could start with a piece of dialogue that someone said to you once (I'd avoid famous quotations, though, since these can come across really clichéd).

Alternatively, you could start with a memory, opening a description with a strong emotion you had, a sound you heard (using onomatopoeia would be a good idea here), or powerful, sensory images of the setting.

As a final tip, make a conscious effort to avoid clichés. These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are often overused. Using clichés indicates laziness to the reader and a lack of authenticity in your voice and storytelling.

For example, instead of writing, "I woke up at the crack of dawn," you could write something like "I woke up as soon as the sun began to peek over the horizon" (if you're the poetic type) or even just "I woke up at dawn" (if you're more like Hemingway).

Here is a lengthy but useful list of clichés to avoid in your writing .

Remember that you're ultimately telling a story with your essays, so don't be afraid to get creative and use a variety of literary techniques!

#4: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!

The final step before you submit each of your Princeton essays is to edit and proofread it.

Editing isn't a one-step process. After you finish your rough draft, put your essay away and take it out again a few days or even weeks later to get a fresh perspective on what sounds good and what comes across awkward, unclear, or irrelevant. Do this step numerous times. At this time, you should also be checking for any typos, grammar errors, etc.

Once you've done a few editing sessions on your own, give your essay to someone you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, or parent, and have that person look it over and offer any feedback or corrections. Getting another set of eyes to look at your essay can help you catch smaller mistakes you might've failed to notice; it also gives a clearer sense as to what kind of impression your essay will likely leave on the Princeton admissions committee.

What's Next?

If you're applying to Princeton through the Common Application, you'll need to write an essay that answers one of the Common App prompts . Our in-depth guide goes over all the current prompts and gives you expert tips on how to answer them.

You can also check out our guide on how to choose a Common App prompt if you're struggling with deciding on the best one for your college application.

Not sure what your chances are of actually getting into Princeton? Calculate them with our own college acceptance calculator , and read up on how to submit a versatile college application .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, brown joy essay ideas.

Hey everyone! Brown has this 'joy essay,' where they want us to write about what brings us joy. I'm kinda lost on how to approach this. What are some good ideas or examples that you guys have come across?

Hey there! The Brown "Joy Essay" is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality and interests in a creative and authentic way. When brainstorming ideas, consider what makes you genuinely happy and what activities, events, or experiences you're truly passionate about. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Hobbies or Interests: Think about the activities you love doing in your spare time, whether it's painting, playing an instrument, cooking, or coding. Describe why these activities bring you joy and how you engage with them. You can focus on the process, challenges, or personal growth you've experienced.

2. Personal Traditions or Rituals: Do you have any special customs or traditions with your family or friends? Maybe it's an annual camping trip, a weekly movie night, or a unique holiday celebration. Share the story behind these traditions and explain why they bring happiness to your life.

3. Unexpected sources of joy: Consider moments or experiences that brought a surprising amount of happiness, even if they may seem insignificant or quirky. Perhaps it's the satisfaction of fixing something in your home or the simple pleasure of watching the sunrise. Delve into the emotions and reasons for why those experiences sparked joy.

4. Moments of self-discovery: Reflect on the journey you took to discover something that brings you joy. You could write about the process of finding a hobby, interest or passion you never expected to fall in love with, and explore how that has shaped your perception of life and your identity.

5. Joy in helping others: If you find deep pleasure in volunteering, mentoring, or making a difference in your community, describe your experiences and the impact they've had on you. Explain what motivates you to stay involved and how those moments have brought joy to you and those you've helped.

Remember that your essay should be unique to you and your experiences. Don't simply try to replicate an example you've found online or what others have written. Instead, focus on your personal story, and share your perspective with authenticity and sincerity. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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What Makes You Happy? 10 Different Answers With Examples

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Updated on October 15, 2023

• Appreciating simple joys can spark instant happiness.
• Engaging in activities we love provides mental health benefits.
• Finding contentment in what we have leads to genuine happiness.

Have you ever been asked the question, “What makes you happy?” When you put some thought into it, I’m sure that you’ll come up with a wide range of answers. Having your favorite meal might come to mind, or getting that dream job might be at the top of the list.

Happiness is something that every person seeks, yet it can be elusive and difficult to define. What brings happiness to one person may not necessarily bring happiness to another. However, understanding the factors that contribute to happiness can help us to live more fulfilling lives. 

In this article, we will explore different answers to the question, “What makes you happy?” By examining the different sources of happiness, I hope to provide insights for individuals seeking to cultivate greater happiness and well-being in their lives!

Sources of happiness

My own answer to happiness, 1. appreciating the small things, 2. spending time with our loved ones, 3. expressing love and feeling loved, 4. doing our favorite activities, 5. experiencing new things, 6. achieving our goals, 7. taking care of ourselves, 8. giving back, 9. living our purpose, 10. feeling content, wrapping up.

We all have various sources of happiness. But to help you reflect on what truly makes you happy, breaking them down into categories can make the process easier.

According to a book entitled Happiness: A Very Short Introduction by philosophy professor Dr. Haybron, there are 5 key sources of happiness which are as follows:

• Security: Experiencing a sense of stability and predictability in our lives can lead to feelings of calmness, contentment, and happiness.
• Relationships: Spending time with family and friends, building strong social connections, and having a supportive partner are all sources of happiness for many people.
• Outlook: Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life can increase happiness levels and reduce stress and anxiety.
• Autonomy: Making independent choices and having control over one’s life, has been found to be a significant source of happiness and fulfillment.
• Skilled and meaningful activity: Engaging in activities that allow us to find a sense of purpose can increase overall life satisfaction and happiness.

These are just a few examples of the many sources of happiness, and what brings happiness to one person may not necessarily bring happiness to another. Ultimately, happiness is a subjective experience that can be influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external.

When I think about what makes me happy, I’d like to go for things that don’t take too much effort or cost me a lot.

For example, being happy in a relationship doesn’t have to mean grand expressions of love. It can be cooking our favorite meal together on a Tuesday night, or receiving a compliment at a random moment.

When I think about happiness in my everyday life, it can be as simple as feeling the warm sun on my skin or seeing a baby smile at me on the bus. It’s those tiny encounters that instantly lift my mood.

When I find joy in humble and innocent moments like these, it creates a positive change in my perspective on life. I realize that life can be pure bliss when we know the value of contentment!

💡 By the way : Do you find it hard to be happy and in control of your life? It may not be your fault. To help you feel better, we’ve condensed the information of 100’s of articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet to help you be more in control. 👇

Don’t Miss Out On Happiness

Find happiness with this 10-step mental health cheat sheet.

10 answers to the question “What makes you happy?”

If you’re exploring the ways to respond to this question, here are some examples worth reflecting on:

Enjoying simple pleasures, such as reading a good book, basking in the morning sun, or looking out at a nice view, can instantly spark our happiness.

Appreciating the simple joys that life brings can help us to be fully present in the moment and enjoy the experience to its fullest. Most of the time, finding happiness doesn’t have to cost us anything at all!

Loved ones can provide emotional and social support, which can help us cope with stress and adversity. This sense of social support can lead to greater happiness and well-being .

When we share experiences with the people we care about, it can also create good memories and strengthen our relationships. Whether it’s special occasions or pure quality time, making time for our loved ones can surely give us a good dose of positivity.

When we show our love to someone and we know that we’ve made them happy, it can give us a sense of fulfillment. In the same way, feeling their love in return can certainly provide the kind of joy that’s priceless.

Knowing that the people we love feel the same way can also boost our self-esteem and sense of self-worth, which can lead to greater confidence and happiness!

Whether it’s enjoying our hobbies or pursuing the work that we love, doing what makes us happy can do wonders for our mental health and overall life satisfaction.

Engaging in activities that we enjoy can also act as a form of stress relief, helping us to relax and live an easy-going life. Keep in mind that you don’t need a lot of reasons to do something but to make yourself happy!

Ever had one of those “bucket lists” of things you want to try before you reach a certain age? Surely, ticking things off this list can bring adventure and excitement to your life.

Oftentimes, we can get lost in the grind of our daily lives, and one way to break such monotony is by immersing ourselves in new experiences. So, step out of your comfort zone and enjoy all the excitement and happiness that the world has to offer!

Most of us find happiness through a sense of accomplishment. By setting goals and working towards achieving them , we attain positive feelings such as pride, satisfaction, and growth.

While it’s great to be goal-driven, it’s also important to note that true happiness is not a destination. Rather, paying close attention to our journey can help us find more meaning in everything that we choose to do.

Self-care is fundamental to our happiness and overall well-being. When we take care of ourselves , we are more capable of doing the things we love, spending time with the people we care about, and pursuing our passions in life.

Health, in all aspects, can help us experience happiness to our maximum potential. So, make sure to rest and recharge before you go back to chasing that adrenaline rush!

For some of us who have already achieved all sorts of happiness in life, contributing to other people’s happiness and welfare can further fuel our sense of purpose.

Whether it’s getting involved in charitable work or dedicating ourselves to helping our communities, knowing that we’ve made a positive impact on other people’s lives can bring us incomparable joy .

Discovering our purpose is essential to finding our own happiness. When we know what we’re most passionate about and we pursue it, we gain a sense of direction and fulfillment.

Living with purpose can also make us feel like we’re needed and that we have a place in the world. These positive beliefs can ultimately lead us to live a happy and healthy life.

Contentment is often associated with a sense of acceptance and gratitude for what one has, rather than a focus on what one lacks or desires.

People can sometimes have the tendency to keep wanting more and never feel satisfied with what they have. But, to be truly happy, we must learn a valuable lesson: that good enough is good enough. Only when we find contentment will we achieve genuine happiness.

💡 By the way : If you want to start feeling better and more productive, I’ve condensed the information of 100’s of our articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet here. 👇

This Cheat Sheet Will Help You Be Happier and More Productive

Thrive under stress and crush your goals with these 10 unique tips for your mental health.

Happiness can feel different for everyone. From spending time with loved ones to achieving our goals, experiencing new things, and living our purpose, there are many factors that can contribute to our overall sense of well-being and fulfillment.

By exploring and embracing what brings us joy and contentment, we can create a life that is truly filled with happiness and meaning.

When someone asks you what makes you happy, how would you answer? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Writer and advocate for young people’s mental health. Firm believer of validating one’s feelings, prioritizing the inner-self, and finding happiness in a plate of chicken curry.

2 thoughts on “What Makes You Happy? 10 Different Answers With Examples”

Nothing makes me happy at the moment

I’m sorry to hear, Mimi. I hope you’re pulilng through and find something to be happy about soon.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Joy — Exploring What Brings Me Joy

Exploring What Brings Me Joy

• Categories: Joy

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Words: 614 |

Published: Sep 5, 2023

Words: 614 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The joys of creativity and expression, connection and meaningful relationships, personal growth and learning, finding joy in nature and solitude.

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7 ways to create more joy in your life.

Joy is an emotion, and emotions are wordless. They're pure physical sensations in our bodies. We express the emotion of joy in many physical ways. For example, we jump for joy when we win a hard-fought competition, or we double over in uncontrollable laughter when someone relates a hilarious story. We squeal with delight after getting a surprise gift, and whoop and holler exuberantly when we hear fantastic news. We feel buoyant and jubilant on beautiful day.

When we feel joy, we feel great about ourselves. We feel confident, powerful, capable, lovable and fulfilled. These are all good reasons to experience more joy in our life. Here are seven ways to do it.

Undertake a challenging activity with a commitment to mastering it.

Think of a project you've wanted to accomplish, whether it's creating a small flower garden in your yard, learning how to give your car a tuneup, or mastering the tango. The process of setting a goal , learning the necessary steps to achieve it, and giving it your best until you've mastered it will generate high self-esteem and pride. Those are feelings associated with joy.

Actively seek joy through inspiration.

Another way to get more joy into our lives is to find it through activities that stretch our perceptions and take us out of ordinary day-to-day life. Engaging in meditation and prayer are two obvious ways to produce a feeling of well-being, serenity, and joy. Being alone in nature is another way to feel the joy of beauty — and oneness with a greater whole.

Engage in an activity that's pleasurable and feels like play.

Do an uplifting and enjoyable activity that's not goal-oriented, but just plain fun. A few examples include throwing a Frisbee with your dog, dancing, hiking, looking at beautiful art, enjoying a concert, or making love . Play and other activities that don't have a purpose other than helping us feel relaxed and happy keep our mind focused in the present. The present is where joy lives.

Deal with the sadness that blocks joy.

When we feel sad, joy it isn't possible to also feel bubbly and exhilarated. In a place that feels safe and private, constructively express your sadness by allowing yourself to cry. While crying, acknowledge your hurts and losses. Don't indulge any negative thoughts about yourself. Just keep telling yourself, "I'm fine. It's okay to cry. I just feel sad." You'll immediately feel washed clean — even joyful.

Honor yourself consciously and frequently.

Joy doesn't come from others; it comes from within . Interrupt negative thoughts about yourself and replace them with statements that honor yourself, such as, "I'm fine the way I am. I'm whole and complete. I did my best. I can do this. I love myself . What I'm seeking is within me." Also, focus on the good and what you did well. Write down self-appreciations so you can read and say them frequently. The more you reinforce these concepts, the more they'll become reality.

Give yourself a break from the day-to-day world.

Nurture yourself. Set up a time, just for you, when you can disconnect from daily responsibilities and get away from the noise, stimulation, and demands of your world. Joy comes easily when we focus on our own needs in a caring and loving way. Get a massage . Close the door, put your feet up, and watch the world outside your window. Take a nap . These kinds of activities replenish us and give our body and soul a chance to feel pure joy. Remind yourself: My job is to take care of myself.

Say the word often and contemplate its meaning.

Repeating and contemplating the word joy can actually create that emotion. Say it over and over, varying the speed, tone, and tempo until you laugh. Notice how your body feels when you say the word. Did your chest expand? Did your face relax? Think about what joy means to you. Be as specific as possible, imagining the feeling of joy, the images it conjures up, perhaps even the people and situations who trigger joy. Sign off your emails with the word joy. Paint the word on a smooth rock and keep it on your desk. More joy will rise up if you simply invite it to do so.

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How Do I Know What Brings Me Joy?

We must become more embodied and purposefully expose ourselves to joy..

Posted February 1, 2022 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

A key part of adulthood and relational trauma recovery work entails: cultivating more joy in your life.

I also specifically want to talk about how hard it can feel for those who come from relational trauma backgrounds to even remotely know what brings them joy if they didn’t experience joy in their childhood and or if they have a hard time connecting to their bodies.

And I want to address this because joy is incredibly important.

Aside from the fact that it feels good, joy is one of the keys on the emotional keyboard of life we can and should be able to access to proverbially play the richest and most enlivened emotional music possible.

What do I mean by this?

If you imagine a piano keyboard and all its attendant, beautiful black and ivory keys, you can imagine that each key represents an emotion that we experience in our human lives: sadness, lust, grief , horror, anger , peace, contentment, pride, impatience, love, devotion, and so forth.

With the emotional keyboard of life, the goal is not to learn and be able to play only a few keys.

The goal is, instead, to learn how to play the richest piece of music possible by developing your capacity to feel and appropriately express each of the proverbial keys on this keyboard.

And joy is one of these keys.

And it is, quite frankly, a really delightful and delicious one to feel.

I would also argue that, for those who come from relational trauma backgrounds, it becomes even more important for you to learn how to “play this key” so to speak.

Because so often when we come from relational trauma backgrounds the general overtone of our lives can be dominated by notes and themes of hardness, heaviness, suffering, fear , lack, challenge, and survival.

After so much time playing these particular keys on the keyboard and having missed out on the joy all children are entitled to early in life, we then owe it to ourselves as adults to learn how to play this proverbial key and to intentionally play it more often in the music of our days.

But how do you know what brings you joy if you had a childhood deprived of joy?

And even if you don’t come from a relational trauma background, how do you begin to feel joy when you are, quite frankly, utterly exhausted, burned out , and totally depleted given the stress , overwhelm, and responsibilities of your days?

To the latter: It is very, very hard to feel what brings you joy when you are burned out.

Your first order of business is to rest, deeply recover from burnout and come back to a psychological and physiological baseline.

Only then will you be able to better feel what brings you joy.

And to those who identify with coming from a relational trauma background, our work to discover what brings us joy is two-fold:

• We must become more embodied
• We must expose ourselves to more activities, experiences, and situations to see what signals joy in our bodies

I want to honor and acknowledge that, for those of us who come from relational trauma backgrounds, to survive our early childhoods, many of us may have learned to disconnect from our bodies — the place where we felt so many overwhelming and sometimes devastating feelings.

What brings joy? We need to learn how to gently, slowly, attentively begin to befriend our bodies again, tracking them for the sensations that indicate we are responding to something that it is bringing us joy.

We may need to learn to become embodied again to figure out what brings us joy.

And after becoming more embodied and more familiar with the subtle sensations in your own body, you can then discover what brings you more joy by exposing yourself to more situations, activities, circumstances, and places that will allow you to track how they make you feel.

How do we do this?

Think about all the interests and activities in the world, and think about how you can expose them to a child. Take your inner child and pursue these activities.

Go for a long walk, pick up a set of Magnatiles, wear blouses with embroidery and fun prints, have a movie night with friends, and enjoy lots of snacks.

The possibilities are endless, but please remember to be in the consistent pursuit of joy.

Allow yourself to register that delicious somatic sensation in your body.

Annie Wright, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist and relational trauma recovery specialist, is the founder of a trauma-informed boutique therapy center.

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4 Questions to Identify What Brings You Joy

· we all need #joytriggers in our lives ·.

Self-care is an essential precursor to well-being. Yet in order to practice self-care that truly fills up your well-being bucket, you first need to know what it is that you actually love to do. I know that a few years back I would have been completely lost if someone had asked me – “So what is it you like to do for fun?”

Doing what we love helps us feel alive inside. Filling our lives up with things that fill-us-up seems so simple, yet it has a big impact on how happy we feel.

This post is for those of you have no idea what you love. Perhaps you’ve never given it any thought? Or perhaps the idea of just stopping and rattling off a list of things you love to do leaves you feeling absolutely clueless.

I hear ya. Keep reading.

When you’re ready, grab a notebook and use these 4 question prompts to help you compile a list of things you love. It is this “Things I Love List” that forms the cornerstone of my self-care practice.

I’d encourage you to put your list somewhere accessible and to keep adding to it as you remember or discover new things you love. If you don’t have the time right now but are committed to having more joy in your life , save this post somewhere safe and come back to when you can give it your full attention.

Here are 4 questions you can ask yourself to help tap into the things that bring you alive and make you feel warm in your heart:  

1. brain dump – list all the things that immediately come to your mind that you love..

Give yourself 5-10 minutes and scribble out a messy list of all the things that come to mind when you ask: What do I love?

Don’t censor yourself. Write everything and anything that comes to mind.

Often a big part of the problem is that we don’t give ourselves the time and space we need to identify the things we enjoy. We never really reflect on what it is we need and what fills us up.

Some of the things I love: scented candles, hot showers, the beach, peppermint tea, beautiful flowers, the smell of lavender oil, reading self-help books, snuggling with my corgi, the smell of freshly cut grass, ice-cream, painting my nails, watching home remodeling shows…you get the gist!

The list doesn’t need to have any form or sense about it. As you can see, mine is a mix of all sorts of activities and experiences. If you want to organize it later you absolutely can. You may choose to filter it into lists for “quick fixes”, “daily activities” and “big things” for example.

The main aim of this question is to give yourself the uninterrupted space to reflect and really think through what you enjoy.

2. Think back to Your Childhood – What did you do in your spare time?

Think back to your childhood and teen years and ask yourself, W hat did I do for fun ? What were the activities that you were interested in when there was no pressure from the outside world? What were the games that you most loved to play?

For me, I loved to write. As a teenager, I wrote so many poems. I still have them in beautifully put together books. When I was younger than that, I can also remember adoring music. I would play my Dirty Dancing soundtrack over and over and sing with reckless abandon (who doesn’t love Hungry Eyes!).

Perhaps you liked to color, or bake, or read books, or run around outside. There are no restrictions to what may come up for you. Write from your heart.

The main aim of this question is to help you remember the things that used to bring you joy, that perhaps you’ve forgotten to make space for in your life as you’ve grown.

3. What are you Curious about? What are some of the things you’re interested in learning more about?

Grab your notepad and ask yourself – What am I curious about? What would I like to know more about, or perhaps try doing?

In Western culture, we don’t put enough value on the things that simply just interest us a little bit. Instead, we have come to overvalue things that are “productive” or move us towards a specific goal. We don’t allow ourselves the time or space to explore that which we might find interesting.

Yet just like children, adults need to “play”. To feel truly happy in our hearts, from time-to-time we need to do things just because we want to – not because we have anything to gain from it. Brene Brown and Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (two famous people-researchers) both talk about this deep need within us.

A list might include: tramping and bush walking, the history of Asia, cooking or cooking classes, competitive card games, yoga, international travel.

The main aim of this question is to help you tap into the things that you might not yet know you love. If you follow your inbuilt sense of curiosity you may just find a whole new bunch of things that are worth trying that you may truly love.

4. What would your Dream Day look like?

Ask yourself: If I was away from all of the pressures of real world stuff, and money and time were no object, what would my dream day look like?

You can go into as much detail as you like, but I’d encourage you to really immerse yourself in what this could look like for you.

Mine would include a few things that I’ve already mentioned above. Specifically, I would love to be on the beach under a giant umbrella in a warm climate reading an excellent self-help book. I’d also want to eat at an amazing restaurant and take a nap. There would be a lot more detail in my dream day, but those would be some of the specifics. To summarize some of those points into things I love: self-help books, traveling to warm climates, the beach, dinning in beautiful restaurants, and napping.

The main aim of this question is to help you picture doing the things you love, rather than being forced just to list them. It is a more practical way to envision it that may work better for some people, or help you identify some more things that haven’t yet come up in your lists. 

Once you’ve asked yourself these 4 questions, and given each of them the time and thought they deserve, I would encourage you to come back and reflect on your list.

We all deserve to have a life thoroughly sprinkled with things we really deep down enjoy. These are the types of things that revive and restore us, and give us the energy to keep going and giving our best to the world.

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Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a former Psychologist turned Executive Coach. I’m obsessed with the human condition and how we can live fulfilling lives. I host the Here to Thrive podcast, adore Corgis, love Psychology, Self-Care and Sleep, and refuse to take life too seriously.

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Home » Articles » Balance » Personal Growth » 10 Ways to Bring Joy into Your Life

10 Ways to Bring Joy into Your Life

Mark W. Merrill

• Personal Growth

Studies show a toddler will laugh an average of 200 times a day. But, by the time he becomes an adult, he will only smile 6 times daily. What will happen? Most likely, he will get steamrolled by the pressures of life. Only a few know how to find joy through faith in God, enjoying the simple things in life, and making family time a priority and not getting caught up in materialism.

If this is a personal struggle for you, here are 10 ways to bring joy back into your life.

1. Simplify

Over time we become maxed out in capacity. It leaves us stressed and unable to be productive. Streamline your life on occasion the same as you would that closet. Drop the things you are holding on to that are no longer necessary or fit who you are. Time is limited and so are you. Simplify your priorities.

2. Perspective

At times, we tend to only see the negative around us. Let’s gain a new perspective and really start picking out all the blessings we have been given. Joy surrounds us even at our darkest moments. Open your senses and receive it. Cultivate an attitude of thankfulness.

During any season, no matter where you are, nature is a great place to go to experience joy. Go hiking, ride a bike, or if you are married, simply walk hand in hand with your beautiful wife. Get outside and fill your spirit and lungs with this amazing creation we call earth.

One thing children are very good at is finding ways to have fun. Get in there and mix it up with your kids. Make funny noises. Laugh at ridiculous things.

We are not all fortunate enough to make a living doing a job we feel deep passion about. Find your passion elsewhere. What makes you come alive? Carve out time to do it.

6. Let It Go

Work on the things that are in your control. Worries can be awfully heavy . Work on the things that are in your control. Do what you can do and let your worries go.

Make time to pursue friendships on a regular basis. Try to find people you can be open with. Life is meant to be shared.

8. Challenges

When you have challenges in your life, realize that it is an opportunity for growth. Use those moments to strengthen your character and resolve.

9. Activity

Get your blood pumping by being active. Go throw the football outside with your son. Take your daughter to get ice cream after dinner and then window shop. Work out. Take a walk.

I believe we have a Father in heaven who loves us. One who cares for us just as you do with your own children, in fact, even more so. Try talking to God about your life. Seek His will for your direction and purpose.

Sound off: What in your life brings you joy?

Huddle Up Question

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is the most joyful thing you have ever experienced in your life?”

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Princeton’s “More About You” Questions: Examples + Tips

Princeton asks applicants to respond to three short-answer questions in a section titled “More About You.” These questions have a 50-word limit, which can be extremely daunting.

This post will go over the purpose of these questions, tips for writing strong responses, as well as real example responses and analysis.

Princeton “More About You” Questions

The three “More About You” questions in the 2022-2023 admissions cycle were:

• What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
• What brings you joy? 
• What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

These are questions that might come up in casual conversation, and the goal is to learn “more about you” in a down-to-earth way. This is an opportunity to humanize your application and show more of your “fun” side.

Tips for Princeton’s “More About You” Questions

These short-answer questions are really unlike other parts of your application. Here are our expert tips for writing an engaging response that will win over admissions officers.

1. Be more casual

These are casual questions, so you want your response to feel down-to-earth as well. There’s no need for academic writing here, or even complete sentences. You can even use slang!

Just make sure that your response is still well-written; it should feel like a response in a conversation to an acquaintance or stranger, not like something you’d text a friend.

2. Maximize the word count.

Do not repeat the question in your response. You only have 50 words, so make the most of them! Dive right into your answer.

3. Pay attention to presentation.

Grammatical and formatting mistakes will stand out even more in a short-answer question. Other than maybe using some stylistic fragments, make sure your grammar is correct. You should especially double-check spacing and punctuation/

4. Get an extra set of eyes on your responses.

While most students think to get their college essays edited, these short-answers may not feel like they need an extra set of eyes. Since these are still an important part of your application to Princeton, we recommend having someone else look over your responses. A friend is a great choice since these are more casual questions, and your friend can let you know if your personality shines through.

We also recommend using our free Peer Essay Review platform , where you can get feedback from another student. And, you can review other students’ essays to improve your own writing. If you prefer to have an admissions expert review your essay, you can do so as well on CollegeVine.

Princeton “More About You” Examples

Here are a couple strong responses to the “More About You” questions, as well as analysis on what the writers did well and what could be improved.

Example 1: Joy

Prompt: What brings you joy? (50 words)

The ancient, burlesque sounds of the violin. I love the feeling of completion, when I can finally play a piece I’ve been working at for months. The glide of a slur, the bounce of the spiccato, plentiful accents and tones; The diversity of music lights a fire in my heart. 

What the Response Did Well

This answer feels authentic. The student’s use of unique descriptors like “burlesque” and “bounce” communicate to the reader that they have a unique relationship with the violin — one that brings them joy in a specific and special way.

At the same time, the idea of “the feeling of completion” bringing joy is extremely relatable. This student pulls off unique and relatable in the same short answer.

What Could Be Improved 

Small mistakes make big impressions in short answers. For example, the word following a semicolon should not be capitalized. While this kind of grammar error could go unnoticed in a larger essay, it stands out when it is one of fifty words.

Example 2: Soundtrack

Prompt: What song represents the soundtrack of your life at the moment? (50 words)

As I sit lost in thought, an urge to stand and pace overwhelms me. The floorboards creaking echoes through the quiet–a familiar symphony accompanying my musings. New ideas take form, energizing, exciting me. In a way, floorboards are my muses fostering my creativity and inspiration, my growth and learning.

This student’s answer is more memorable than traditional answers due to their unique interpretation of the word “soundtrack.” I’m sure this is the only creaking floorboards essay that was submitted to Princeton last year! Originality and setting yourself apart from others is of the utmost importance during the college admissions process.

Admissions officers spend very little time reading short responses and don’t want to parse through your words to find your answer. Because of its roundabout structure, this response requires a second read for an aha moment (“Ohhh the creaking floorboards are the soundtrack!”).

Additionally, your response to a short answer question doesn’t have to be eloquent or figurative. It can be more like an answer to an interview question — to the point, memorable, and honest. This student might have been better off with a casual structure, writing something like:

The sound I hear most often is the creaking of my floorboards, so I’ll call that the soundtrack of my life. I pace when memorizing things, when trying to inspire creativity, when working through complex ideas. My floorboards are probably tired, but pacing is my method.

Finally, like with Example 6, the use of a double hyphen instead of an em dash (—) stands out in a short answer question. Ensure that your grammar is impeccable in your short answers.

More Princeton Essay Resources

How to Write the Princeton Essays

Princeton Essay Examples

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