Joie Challenge Day 2: The Joy of Nostalgia

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand delightful memories.

Today’s challenge is all about tapping into the joy of reflecting on a happy memory. Sometimes, recalling moments from our past that brought us bliss or laughter can lift our spirits and remind us of the good times we've experienced. Nostalgia has a unique way of reconnecting us to the joy we've already lived.

While joyful memories can be tied to specific places or experiences, today we’ll focus on the joy that comes from friendship.

There is so much joy in friendship and the shared memories of experiences together. I remember when my childhood best friend Genia and I wanted to get from my house to hers, but we were only 15, and nobody would drive us. We had one bike between us, and it was about 100 degrees in Texas. We took turns pumping each other for 45 minutes in the blazing heat, sweating, laughing our butts off, and swearing we would never get on a bike again.

Or the time I was 21, living in New York City for a summer internship before my senior year of college. I had just started hanging out with a girl named Kim, who would become one of my best friends. My roommate Kelli, who was always bragging about knowing cool people and getting into the top clubs, finally invited us to a place in the Meatpacking District. Kim and I trailed her, feeling a bit out of place until Kelli’s shoes got stuck in a grate, and she went flying. Kim and I grabbed each other, trying not to laugh out loud while Kelli retrieved her shoe, sneered at us, and stormed ahead. Once we were free of her, we laughed about it all night and have been retelling this story for over 20 years now. 

Genia and I were clearly always trying to carry each other around through middle school and high school. This ended up with us on the floor, but we had a good laugh.

These pics are from junior? senior? prom, but it’s the dresses that crack us up because we also wore them for a pageant. The only thing we remember from that pageant was the choreographer rolling in boxes of fried chicken and making us dance for hours in heels before we could eat. He would yell, “Squat and stay!” We hated that pageant but spent our evenings laughing and imitating that guy, and we still do.

Today’s challenge: Find an old photo or object that brings back joyful memories of a friend or a special place. 

Take a few minutes today to reflect on a joyful memory—a moment that made you feel truly alive, at peace, or one that was just downright hilarious. If you’re focusing on friendship, think back to a memorable event: a bachelorette party, summer camp, a crazy night in college, a group vacation, or the first time you met.

Here’s what you can do:
- Text or email a few photos to a friend along with your favorite memory from that day.

- Even better, set up a real or phone date with that friend to catch up and share the photos. Rehashing old stories might remind you of forgotten details.

If reconnecting isn’t possible, take some time to journal, talk to someone else about the memory, or simply reflect on it quietly.

Prompts to Spark Your Memory:
- What is a memory that always brings a smile to your face or you enjoy retelling?

- Who were you with, and how did that moment make you feel?

- What specific details stand out—sights, sounds, smells, or emotions?

- How can you carry the joy of that memory into your day today?

Feel free to share your photos and memories with me! Post in the comments, tag me on Instagram (@madamedelamaison and/or @ajiriaki) with the #joiechallenge hashtag or join the Substack chat. I’d love to see what brings you joy! Let the "Joie of Nostalgia" fill your heart today!

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Share this with someone who you believe will enjoy being part of the 5 day Joie Challenge.

And if you are just joining us, be sure to check out the welcome message and the challenge from day 1.