Why Joy Can Help Fuel the Fight

With all the struggles going on right now; COVID, Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Climate Change, etc., we need to make sure we have joy in our lives to help fuel the fight. Joy is important because it allows us to support the causes that we care about and it helps to keep our batteries charged and our tanks full. Without joy, we can feel depleted, depressed and unmotivated. If we’re not at full power, it's hard to be fully present. And if we’re not present, we can’t fight the good fight. 

I have a few tried and true ways to make sure that I continually experience joy. First and foremost, spending time with the people in my life. Whether it’s via Zoom or Skype in COVID or in person, this human (re)connection provides me with the energy I need to keep my tank full.   

Another way is getting lost in a good book. Some of my favorites include Water for Elephants by ‎Sara Gruen‎, The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling and When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön.  

Also, volunteering is a great way for me to recharge my batteries. Before I moved to Spain, I volunteered with three nonprofit organizations. Helping people is such a passion that I'm invigorated by just the thought of showing up to support them.  

Finally, documentaries allow me to get lost in different worlds which helps to keep the tank full. These days, my favorite documentaries are My Octopus Teacher, Long Strange Trip and Night on Earth. Documentaries are sometimes a call to action but they can also introduce us to worlds we might never have known.  

What are your best sources of joy? How do you keep your batteries charged? Comment below to share your ideas.