A Journey Back to Hope Series: Finding Joy and Gratitude in the Midst of Heaviness

This weekend, I’m inviting us all to take a moment for lightness, creativity, or even the briefest spark of joy. I’ll be honest: joy has felt distant lately. My heart feels heavy, and I suspect this weight may linger for a while. The recent election has left me frustrated and disheartened and the daily updates of cabinet picks make me angry. It is very difficult to reconcile that so many chose a leader whose values feel so at odds with kindness, truth, integrity, and justice.

But in these times, I find myself returning to the small, grounding practices that help me stay afloat. I’m setting firm boundaries around how much chaos I let into my world. I'm doing my best to stay connected to gratitude instead. I’ve been finding comfort in small rituals: watching the sunrise and sunset, feeling the soft purring of my cats, Luna and Sundae, as I pet them, spending time with my Dad reminiscing about childhood memories and laughing. It’s amazing how such simple things as gratitude, laughter and simple moments of joy can shift my energy from all that is happening in the world right now. Oh, and deep heart breaths when I feel triggered.

I’m grateful for the people in my life who hold space for me, exactly as I am—sadness, frustration, and all. I’m grateful for the writing that lets me process these complex emotions. I'm grateful for a couple of projects that have been slowly bringing a bit of happiness back into my days. I'm grateful for conversations with like minded others who validate my feelings. And when the overwhelm starts to creep in, I turn to the tools I know well, like heart breathing and the practice of uncommon appreciation. They ground me and help me refocus on what I can control, even when the world feels wild and out of reach. They both take some practice, but these gratitude practices are foundational for me. I suggest you check them out!

Joy will come, I believe that. It is actually there in each and every moment, if I choose to notice and embrace it. But for now, I’m honoring this mix of emotions I am navigating.

Reflection Questions for the Weekend

1. What small, grounding practices bring you comfort in heavy times?
2. Can you recall a recent moment of lightness or joy, however fleeting, that made you smile?
3. What is one thing you’re grateful for today, even if it feels small or insignificant?
4. How can you give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without judgment?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let this space be one where we can collect and share these tiny moments of beauty and reminders of hope.

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