17 Comments
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Ángel Michel's avatar

So many beautiful and inspiring joy filled words I could quote back, like that joy is about “the act of building resilience within them” (the hard times), so full of wisdom. And I love the idea of the Joy club, but because I’m more of an introvert, I tried creating that more through my writing 😇 and I love how you made me feel “joy rising” within me to keep writing. I think there can be never be too much joy and hope in this world 😌👐🏻 keep shining your Light 🕯️🌟

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Mary's avatar

I think you're onto something grand! I could't agree more... "Joy isn’t handed down from power or privilege—it bubbles up from belonging, from connection, from beauty, from the inside out. It is grassroots, gut-level, wonder-fueled resilience." We must learn to cultivate joy ... and to share it with others. I live in Minnesota and can't wait for you to move here! Would love to share a cup of tea and soak up your wise inspiration. Thanks for being you!

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D. Michele Perry's avatar

You live in MN! Yay! I can’t wait to have a cup of tea. I’m not sure if I can swing it but I’m hoping to at least visit to see the fall in October. But whenever I do get to visit or move, I’m already looking forward to saying hi in person. ☺️🫶🏻✨🩵

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Mary's avatar

Wonderful! Keep me posted on your visit plans! Tea is on me!

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Glo's avatar

As we age it seems we rethink ad nauseam reaching out to start something new, or put it out there to have it go unacknowledged or unsupported. (Or maybe it's just me) You my dear are not shy of resilient unending outreach, while holding love in your heart no matter what. "We don’t wait for permission to live fully. We grow our joy from the ground up—in kitchens and gardens and sketchbooks." this..... just "t h i s " is my mantra today. Thank you! Oh and I'd love to be your neighbor!

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Jeanette Rogerson's avatar

Yes, I love this concept and would love to implement it.

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Sue Ridgewell's avatar

Thank you for this, Michele! This piece is beautiful and uplifting and just what I wanted to read this morning. Especially after scrolling past those on trump's mental health. hegseth's cruel treatment of a trans military lifer. Not what my soul needed, but your piece was.

Yes! I would try a formula for sparking more joy in my life and that of others. What a beautiful gift that would be.

I often wonder what it is I can do to help a community be healthy, to remember what their human values are.

I love your kind and sharing soul, the fact that you want to fill the world with Wonder. We need more of that. ❤️

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Matty's avatar

Years ago when I was a young mom, our neighborhood was composed of a wide range of ethnicities and back grounds. We were four stay at home moms with children… So we

began a supper club. One mom would host and make a main course and the others would provide sides, desserts, and beverages. As in stone soup, we always had enough left to share for lunch the next day! We shared joys, sorrows, losses, gains, food, and creativity. It was one of the most beautiful things I ever was a part of in this long life of mine. I miss those days and would love to find kindred souls to share with again!

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Glo's avatar

Likewise here, many oh so many moons ago I did the same. Now in my late 60's it seems not many near want to commit to a group like this or have no art interests....... which I confess is my passion along with gardening.

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Margaret's avatar

“Circles that spark creativity, courage, and compassion in action. “. This I’m interested in.

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Sheena Reid's avatar

Yes ! This is such a beautiful idea. I'm lucky to live in a community (in Scotland) where this sort of thing is very much at the heart of the community. It's not always perfect, and not every idea works, but what I've noticed is that if one or two people start a thing and are open-hearted, it gathers pace, and all sorts of other fun offshoots then happen as a result.

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Mary Dreisbach's avatar

Love this! Your description of joy is beautiful and true. Thanks to giving words to it! I think your idea has great value.

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Caroli Finch's avatar

Absolutely gorgeous idea. A reaching out, and opening up, to brighten another soul who will directly or indirectly pass that to others too. Thank you for bringing joy to my day today! X

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Gab's avatar

This is so, so good! Will you a hare it in the Reddit community? It needs this right now! I love this part especially. “Sometimes we wait until we get to the right spot to live the dream when the dream is waiting on us to practice living it right where we are.“. And count me in for a joy club!

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Meg Dunley's avatar

Love this. Especially this line: Joy isn’t handed down from power or privilege—it bubbles up from belonging

Thank you

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Lisa A Dent's avatar

Loved this !

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D. Michele Perry's avatar

Yay! Thank you for kicking off the comment section with your encouragement. 😍

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