I keep thinking about the habit of joy. Or building our joy muscles. Or some other cliché and cheesy way to say that the practice of joy is important.
When I say the words “fight for joy” it encompasses a lot. It’s encouragement to search for joy - even when you’re in the thick of it. Even when it’s hard to see. (Even when it feels ridiculous.)
But it’s also a reminder that sometimes your best defense is offense…which means planning joy into your days and weeks that keep you connected in real and tangible ways. Because looking for joy and SEEING joy are two very different things.
I pray each week that something I send in this newsletter will bring you joy. Just ONE thing. Because MAYBE that one thing could be the clue to unlocking another spot of joy in your life. Not the cause of your joy…but a reminder or a new way of looking at and seeing the joy you already know. And holding on tight to the joy you already know can be the life-preserver that keeps you afloat when everything else goes under.
There have been some REALLY hard things that have been thrown our way in the past few years. In our personal lives and as a collective group of humans, there have been so many sad and difficult and even scary things. It’s really, really easy to get caught in the weeds, stuck in the muck….lost in the dark - pick a metaphor. It’s really, really easy to be blinded by the darkness. And I just want to help us remember to keep looking for the light and the joy that ultimately tethers us to hope.
So if a silly cup of coffee brings you so much joy and comfort…hold on tight. If using your favorite pen makes writing your (stupid long) to-do list bearable? HOLD ON TIGHT. If a playlist of some of your favorite songs can pull you out of a funk? Hold on tight and do it more.
Don’t let the darkness win.
✨JOY in Real Life!✨
We are officially in Advent season and I LOVE ADVENT SEASON. If you wanna talk lifelines, Advent was my lifeline last year.
If you happen to be looking for a way to observe the Advent season or just need a little…something, please feel free to follow along on my person account. You obviously don’t have to but it’s just one way I’m hoping to cultivate and share joy this year.
✨Song of the Week!✨
Speaking of Advent, it was time to bring back the Advent playlist from last year. It’s not a traditional Christmas playlist to be sure (that’ll come soon!) but it’s such a great companion to the season. I hope you love it.
✨JOY From the Internet!✨
Let us laugh and enjoy the ridiculous, shall we?
On this, the last day of November, this feels true and I can’t get it out of my head. HAPPY THURSDAY OF THE YEAR:
Now as we continue/move on to all things December and Christmas, I don’t know why this blew my mind but it did. IT JUST DID.
And speaking of holiday movies, our friends at the Popcast made a handy-dandy guide to watching some holiday favorites and I couldn’t help but share it here. IT’S SO HELPFUL ALREADY.
This has nothing to do with Christmas or December but everything to do with craving cake, I guess?
This made me giggle.
If you’re wondering what would happen if you gave me a puppy for Christmas, this is a pretty good indicator. ➡️ A boy and his dog:
If you’re looking for a spot of good news to celebrate, this is a fantastic one:
Honestly, I read this quote and immediately thought about the Ridiculous Joy mantra of the “both/and” we’ve gotten used to experience. So I’m taking this as we’re all really good grown-ups:
✨Inexplicable Joy✨
I’m not done talking about Advent. I’d apologize for it but I don’t think I’m sorry at all. It goes back to that lifeline I was talking about earlier. It changed me and I can’t unknow what I know or what I experienced. So here we are.
But before we get any further, I can’t help but share what other people have been saying as well:
In a season that can feel so chaotic and full of excess, I pray that you are able to slow down and enjoy moments of joy and the love of the Joy Giver. I pray that you can give yourself space to fight for joy, yes…but also just to sit and take notice of where you are right now, in this moment or in this season of life, and just BE.
Our Father
Lord, You show us the same compassion and commitment that a mother has for her tiny child. Teach us to care so completely. Show us how to delight in serving with the same joy You show in nurturing Your creation. Amen.
Have an amazing week, everyone. I’m rooting for you, I’m praying for you…and I’m fighting for joy right alongside you.
Love you all,
💛 Jill