Thanks for recommending Nneka Julia’s Substack. Looking forward to reading more. And this poem--sublime!
I 100% felt those paragraphs on having your joy squelched by adults. I can remember my mom many times telling me, “Shh! Don’t laugh so loudly” when I would burst into guffaws. I, too, grew up in the White Protestant culture of quietly sitting in one’s pew and being a good little Christian girl. Now I attend an historically Black church and absolutely love the freedom to express myself as joyfully and loudly as I want in worship!
Thanks for this reminder to look for joy--to seek it. Tis the season!
Thank you for this inspiring post, for the two poems, Oliver’s and your mom’s. Thank you for the reminder to embrace joy! As Emma’s mom, I’m impressed and moved by the impact of her video. Yes, at 24, she appreciates joy, is a grateful and positive person. It does not come from me, and so, as her parent, I’m full of admiration for my daughter and so grateful to learn from a young person! Stay well and all the best to you. Christiane JT
Thank you, Jan. Often, I caught myself trying to remember joy. So rarely did I allow myself to feel it. It got squashed by the admonishing voice inside that harped on responsibility and productivity. Joy is frivolous, it said. It’s not in the schedule. Can you believe it?? Slowly, it’s changing. I seek it out, and when I see a flash of quiet joy, I wallow in it.
Loved this piece Jan and so glad you are feeling better. Embrace every moment, every moment is my new manta.
Thanks for recommending Nneka Julia’s Substack. Looking forward to reading more. And this poem--sublime!
I 100% felt those paragraphs on having your joy squelched by adults. I can remember my mom many times telling me, “Shh! Don’t laugh so loudly” when I would burst into guffaws. I, too, grew up in the White Protestant culture of quietly sitting in one’s pew and being a good little Christian girl. Now I attend an historically Black church and absolutely love the freedom to express myself as joyfully and loudly as I want in worship!
Thanks for this reminder to look for joy--to seek it. Tis the season!
This is just what I needed to read today! Great post; glad you're feeling better.
Dear Jan,
Thank you for this inspiring post, for the two poems, Oliver’s and your mom’s. Thank you for the reminder to embrace joy! As Emma’s mom, I’m impressed and moved by the impact of her video. Yes, at 24, she appreciates joy, is a grateful and positive person. It does not come from me, and so, as her parent, I’m full of admiration for my daughter and so grateful to learn from a young person! Stay well and all the best to you. Christiane JT
Thank you, Jan. Often, I caught myself trying to remember joy. So rarely did I allow myself to feel it. It got squashed by the admonishing voice inside that harped on responsibility and productivity. Joy is frivolous, it said. It’s not in the schedule. Can you believe it?? Slowly, it’s changing. I seek it out, and when I see a flash of quiet joy, I wallow in it.
Lovely, Jan.