Joy in the Storm


Photos from recent hail storm by Loretta and Jake Froh, Regina, SK 2021

The 24 hour news cycle seems a parade of catastrophes -- wildfires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, hail. Add to this growing threats of extremism, war, and the continuing toll of the pandemic. Can we find joy amidst it all?

It can feel selfish to allow ourselves to feel joy when others are suffering. We might feel lacking in empathy or self-indulgent. But feeling joy is different from pretending nothing is wrong. Joyful activities break us out of stressful, gloomy thoughts. We thrive when we are able to accept uncertainty, and have gratitude for all we have and all we can continue to create. Joy is a channel towards hope. Hope inspires positive action. 

"In a world where anxiety is a fixture, and uncertainty is a given, joy is essential to our survival. Denying ourselves doesn't lessen the suffering of others.
It only diminishes the value of life." ~ Ingrid Fetell-Lee



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