Pockets of Happy

Recently, I have heard so many of the people around me express an overwhelming feeling of… well… overwhelm. It’s becoming far too common for far too many of us, this feeling that the world feels dark. Heavy. Scary. Somehow… off.

Maybe it’s because it’s so cold outside. 

Maybe it’s because it still gets dark out so early. 

Maybe it’s because of the uncertainty with which we are all faced on a daily basis.

Maybe it’s because of the fear that we are all feeling for our friends, families, neighbors and selves.

Or maybe it’s because we’re all very tired.

Whatever it is, it is pervasive. And insidious. 

Now, here is where you are probably expecting me to share tips and tricks and life-hacks to make this all better. To share some witty words and affirmations that will magically make the world feel lighter, brighter, and easier to navigate.

I am sorry to disappoint you, but this isn’t that kind of blog post. Not today.

Not to say that I’m going to encourage you to wallow in the doom and gloom (which… is also not to say that there isn’t a time and place for allowing yourself time and space to wallow…).

Rather… today I am going to remind you that even in the midst of all of this, there are flashes of joy. Sparks of light. Glimmers to remind us that there is something more, something beautiful, something wonderful, if only we allow ourselves to notice it.

Maybe it’s a ray of sunshine coming through your window at just the right moment.
Maybe it’s your favorite song coming on right when you start the car.

Maybe it’s finding your favorite flavor of ice cream on sale at the grocery store.

Maybe it’s finding an old note from a friend in the pocket of your coat.

Yes, things are hard right now. I am not going to tell you any differently or try to make you feel bad for allowing yourself to feel whatever feelings these difficult times are bringing with them. Your feelings are valid. And, in truth, they are a beautiful reminder of your humanity, your capacity for empathy, and the depth of your compassion.

All I want to do today is remind you that there is hope. There are pinpricks of light, even in the darkest of nights. There are little joys even in the saddest of times. 

So as you navigate these cold dark days, search for the shiny bits. Seek out the glimmers. Sit for as long as you can in the pockets of  happy that come across your path.
And know that you are that glimmer for someone else.
So keep going. And together we’ll find ways to make it better.