Let’s be real. The world is hard. We aren’t shying away from the tough moments. As our marigold Peace Tee says “Let’s make peace awkward again, cause pretending ain't working”.
Why do we do this work? Why do we keep fighting day after day for peace, love, kindness? For our families, friends, and neighbours? Why do we show up day in and day out when nothing feels like it’s working? Sorry to get bleak but honestly why do we?
We could argue it’s hope. The relentless optimism that lives in us as humans, peacebuilders, and people who want the sunshine to come out from behind the clouds. We could say it’s outrage. The anger and despair we feel towards injustice we’ve faced or seen to others.
But what if joy is part of the answer too? But what if it’s Joy as our fuel? Joy that propels us into long nights, hard conversations, showing up everyday even if the dial feels like it’s barely moving.
Joy feels like a complicated emotion these days. Are we allowed to be happy with everything happening? Is it irresponsible to seek out joy? Why does joy sometimes feel... wrong?
Many of us carry this belief that if we are feeling grief, sadness, or just plain being informed, that we should feel heavy all the time.
Stories of our elders and communities show us that isn’t true.
People celebrated weddings during conflicts. People laughed while facing uncertainty. Friendships were found at protests. Meals were shared with one another, even when there wasn’t a lot to go around. Families sang songs while scared, and sure maybe at first their voices were shaky, but then they grew loud. Not because they enjoyed the struggles they faced, but joy still exists.
Joy and grief aren’t opposites. They are companions. They are two feelings that can coexist.
Joy doesn't erase grief. It makes it more bearable. It reminds us what we're fighting for in the first place. It keeps us connected to one another and to our humanity when everything around us feels chaotic.
This isn’t a lecture on toxic positivity, it’s a call in. An invitation to stop feeling guilty for holding two truths at once. To acknowledge the heartbreak and still celebrate the birthday. To read the headlines and still laugh with friends. To carry the weight of the world without forgetting the wonder within it.
Because joy doesn't need to wait until the world is perfect. That day will never come.
And perhaps that's exactly why joy matters now more than ever.
