I’m escaping reality filling my joy cup this weekend at Gorge Amphitheater sleeping under the stars in the middle of Washington state. Enjoying 3 days of music with Dave Matthews Band.
The past 2 1/2 years have been spent dealing with stage 3 and stage 4 cancer. First me then my husband! We have learned first hand about the need to find joy every day! Participating in joyful activities has made an incredible difference for us and our family/community. It has brought clarity and helps us focus on what is most needed! We still have cancer but, we are still here and are able to be helpers!
Thank you for this reminder, Isla! And thank you for also acknowledging that joy is a privilege of circumstance. One more thing I wanted to add to that: those of us who have a condition like depression or anxiety can also read something like this and feel like it's telling them they're at fault for not "choosing" joy. To my friends out there on uphill battles to just function, and yet are still tuning in and trying to keep up with all these layers of suffering in the news, we see you! It’s really important that we all be kind to ourselves and take breaks often.
Yesterday was my favorite day of the year, and I didn't see it coming. A small random group of Los Angelenos met up in the backyard of a woman who wanted to gather similarly motivated-but-aimless folks without an explicit goal for the meeting, just to introduce ourselves, blow a little steam about what's been angering us, and throw ideas out there for what might help make things a little less apocalyptic. And even though I've had some one-on-one interactions with people this year for the same purpose (some of whom I even met through The Preamble!), there was something special about hearing many people echo the same feeling, and seeing their joy reverberate off of each other. It was validating to hear even the smartest and most knowledgeable among us, in roles like immigration lawyer or social worker, or people like me in the entertainment industry, all trying to figure out this "stuck" feeling that's different from Trump's first term, but then brainstorm how to channel all of the obvious energy out there into collective action that can do more than add chatter on the internet.
We all had an opportunity to pitch our big picture motivation to the group. Mine was: with the Democratic Party currently polling at just 34% favorability (the lowest Gallup has measured for the group in its trend dating back to 1992), we need to give voters something obvious and tangible that shows the party has fundamentally changed — something that gives average voters cover for proudly self-identifying as Democrats again. Everyone had differing ideas on how to get there, all of them valid suggestions. But most of the time we weren’t talking strategy, we were just sharing stories and conversing like normal humans. It’s something that’s become a lot rarer in the past five years, and I’m so grateful to find that it still exists.
I'd walked in thinking progress meant launching some grand new initiative, but I left understanding that sometimes progress is simply finding your people. The camaraderie itself was the achievement — good people choosing to show up, choosing to care, choosing to believe things could be different despite all the forces telling us to give up. I’ll give the experience 5/5 stars, highly recommend finding something like it in your community.
My fav part is that we must recognize whatever privilege we may have (while we have it) as responsibility. “We can use our restored energy to amplify others’ voices, defend their rights, and act for justice.”
Because it is not us and them. Their rights are your rights. If you see injustice, you know you are next.
As a Taylor Swift fan who's excited about her new album, I loved this piece! Thank you for reminding us that joy is needed! And reminding us how it's hard for many to find joy right now. I pray our collective joy turns the tide towards a better world for all!
My friend went to Israel this summer to visit family. She says several times a day sirens went off and people ran into their shelters. When the sirens stopped, they went into the streets and celebrated. The felt joy in between the sirens. I think of this often when I start spiraling about what is happening in the US. In case anyone is curious, she told me that the friends and family that she is in contact with are completely against what the Israeli government is doing.
With this world around us that has so much violence, crime, corruption and disaster,(natural and man made), my joy comes from my Bible. Staying in God’s word, praying for those that need His guidance or help, and thanking Him for His blessings in my life -no matter if it’s for waking up this morning so that I have one more day to tell my family I love them or for the small little wildflower growing in the crack of the street that hasn’t seen a rain drop in 2 months. Those are things I find joy in. I pray that others will look to the Lord for their joy. He is a healer, a confidant when we feel alone, a sounding board for our ideas, a protector when we feel temptation to do or say something unkind and most of all He is my savior. I have joy knowing that I will be with Him when I’m no longer on this earth. I will be in a place where there will be no more sorrow or pain. No tears, no sickness. I know a lot of people don’t agree with my beliefs and that is their choice. But my choice is the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior. Have a blessed day.
Joy looks so different for everyone. And doesn't haven't to be big or shiny. My favorite thing to do is be in nature. Whether it's walking or just sitting outside reading. I told my friend the other day that I am a house plant. I need to remember to drink my water and get enough sunlight. Sitting outside and reading or drinking coffee while listening to birds are my favorite things.
I love this article. I’ve seen a lot more people reclaiming their joy this time around and it’s refreshing. I reread “Man’s Search For Meaning” earlier this year because of our current situation and it helped me tremendously. I am going to read the other books featured in the article. Thanks so much, Isla.
I love this reminder to seek joy even amidst the turmoil. I think one thing that I have struggled with when some celebrities like Swift are promoting new things is that it feels like only focusing on the joy without acknowledging the chaos and hardship currently happening. I’m all for celebrating joy, but I wish that those with any sort of platform were celebrating joy while also bringing awareness and acknowledging the terrible things that are happening right now. Otherwise it feels a bit tone def and somewhat like the “first they came for the” poem. Just my thoughts.
I’m escaping reality filling my joy cup this weekend at Gorge Amphitheater sleeping under the stars in the middle of Washington state. Enjoying 3 days of music with Dave Matthews Band.
Nothing more gorgeous than a gorge night 😍
I find so much joy listening to DMB and singing along.
The past 2 1/2 years have been spent dealing with stage 3 and stage 4 cancer. First me then my husband! We have learned first hand about the need to find joy every day! Participating in joyful activities has made an incredible difference for us and our family/community. It has brought clarity and helps us focus on what is most needed! We still have cancer but, we are still here and are able to be helpers!
I am thinking about you both.
I wholeheartedly believe that joy is a form of resistance. It helps take away the pain even if only quickly. Great article
Thank you for this reminder, Isla! And thank you for also acknowledging that joy is a privilege of circumstance. One more thing I wanted to add to that: those of us who have a condition like depression or anxiety can also read something like this and feel like it's telling them they're at fault for not "choosing" joy. To my friends out there on uphill battles to just function, and yet are still tuning in and trying to keep up with all these layers of suffering in the news, we see you! It’s really important that we all be kind to ourselves and take breaks often.
Yesterday was my favorite day of the year, and I didn't see it coming. A small random group of Los Angelenos met up in the backyard of a woman who wanted to gather similarly motivated-but-aimless folks without an explicit goal for the meeting, just to introduce ourselves, blow a little steam about what's been angering us, and throw ideas out there for what might help make things a little less apocalyptic. And even though I've had some one-on-one interactions with people this year for the same purpose (some of whom I even met through The Preamble!), there was something special about hearing many people echo the same feeling, and seeing their joy reverberate off of each other. It was validating to hear even the smartest and most knowledgeable among us, in roles like immigration lawyer or social worker, or people like me in the entertainment industry, all trying to figure out this "stuck" feeling that's different from Trump's first term, but then brainstorm how to channel all of the obvious energy out there into collective action that can do more than add chatter on the internet.
We all had an opportunity to pitch our big picture motivation to the group. Mine was: with the Democratic Party currently polling at just 34% favorability (the lowest Gallup has measured for the group in its trend dating back to 1992), we need to give voters something obvious and tangible that shows the party has fundamentally changed — something that gives average voters cover for proudly self-identifying as Democrats again. Everyone had differing ideas on how to get there, all of them valid suggestions. But most of the time we weren’t talking strategy, we were just sharing stories and conversing like normal humans. It’s something that’s become a lot rarer in the past five years, and I’m so grateful to find that it still exists.
I'd walked in thinking progress meant launching some grand new initiative, but I left understanding that sometimes progress is simply finding your people. The camaraderie itself was the achievement — good people choosing to show up, choosing to care, choosing to believe things could be different despite all the forces telling us to give up. I’ll give the experience 5/5 stars, highly recommend finding something like it in your community.
My fav part is that we must recognize whatever privilege we may have (while we have it) as responsibility. “We can use our restored energy to amplify others’ voices, defend their rights, and act for justice.”
Because it is not us and them. Their rights are your rights. If you see injustice, you know you are next.
Embrace joy and resistance when you can.
As a Taylor Swift fan who's excited about her new album, I loved this piece! Thank you for reminding us that joy is needed! And reminding us how it's hard for many to find joy right now. I pray our collective joy turns the tide towards a better world for all!
My friend went to Israel this summer to visit family. She says several times a day sirens went off and people ran into their shelters. When the sirens stopped, they went into the streets and celebrated. The felt joy in between the sirens. I think of this often when I start spiraling about what is happening in the US. In case anyone is curious, she told me that the friends and family that she is in contact with are completely against what the Israeli government is doing.
I don't comment on here, but I had to break my silence and tell the author, thank you. This article is beautiful. I desperately needed it.
A much needed reminder to find joy and do what we can to help others have the opportunity to do the same. 🩵
With this world around us that has so much violence, crime, corruption and disaster,(natural and man made), my joy comes from my Bible. Staying in God’s word, praying for those that need His guidance or help, and thanking Him for His blessings in my life -no matter if it’s for waking up this morning so that I have one more day to tell my family I love them or for the small little wildflower growing in the crack of the street that hasn’t seen a rain drop in 2 months. Those are things I find joy in. I pray that others will look to the Lord for their joy. He is a healer, a confidant when we feel alone, a sounding board for our ideas, a protector when we feel temptation to do or say something unkind and most of all He is my savior. I have joy knowing that I will be with Him when I’m no longer on this earth. I will be in a place where there will be no more sorrow or pain. No tears, no sickness. I know a lot of people don’t agree with my beliefs and that is their choice. But my choice is the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior. Have a blessed day.
Joy looks so different for everyone. And doesn't haven't to be big or shiny. My favorite thing to do is be in nature. Whether it's walking or just sitting outside reading. I told my friend the other day that I am a house plant. I need to remember to drink my water and get enough sunlight. Sitting outside and reading or drinking coffee while listening to birds are my favorite things.
I love this article. I’ve seen a lot more people reclaiming their joy this time around and it’s refreshing. I reread “Man’s Search For Meaning” earlier this year because of our current situation and it helped me tremendously. I am going to read the other books featured in the article. Thanks so much, Isla.
I love this reminder to seek joy even amidst the turmoil. I think one thing that I have struggled with when some celebrities like Swift are promoting new things is that it feels like only focusing on the joy without acknowledging the chaos and hardship currently happening. I’m all for celebrating joy, but I wish that those with any sort of platform were celebrating joy while also bringing awareness and acknowledging the terrible things that are happening right now. Otherwise it feels a bit tone def and somewhat like the “first they came for the” poem. Just my thoughts.
Fabulous read!! Thanks for this important, really important info for all of us!
Thank you Isla. This was a beautiful piece and a reminder that I, and everyone, need to try and enjoy life despite the hardships around us.
🫶