JOY

ALANDA GREENE celebrates the lives of those among us who have had the resilience to discover joy in times of suffering and uncertainty, and gives us a hint of how we can do the same.

- ALANDA GREENE

A few months into the pandemic, I read an online editorial responding to requests to write about the problems facing our world. The reply: "Our focus is not on the world that is ending, but the world that is struggling to be born" went on to suggest how each of us could be a solid presence in these times of instability and fear. "Replenish joy and gratitude in the life you have now."

Something rang true. Cultivating joy and gratitude is a contribution. Not denial of a serious situation, or refusal to recognize the tragedies and crises of our world, or dismissal of the prevalent pain, fear, and anxiety; rather, the potential for positive influence.