Sometimes, when the world seems particularly troubled or even overwhelming, I find it useful to keep in mind the simple pleasures that lift everyday life. Like taking a walk in the woods. Or sharing a good laugh with my daughters. Swapping memories with old friends. Enjoying a meal with new friends. Watching our beagle run, her long ears flapping in the wind. Dissecting a good drama with my wife. Finding just the right word after searching and searching. Feeding my curiosity by asking lots of questions . Seeing students and young adults working hard to achieve their dreams. Did I mention seeing my family, playing with our dog, joyful and laughing?
Yes, there’s been an excess of controversy and complication in our world these last years—enough to make us wonder if we’d ever find our way to a calmer, happier place. The joyful exuberance inspired by the Democratic ticket over the last month demonstrates how strong is our desire to move beyond the hateful rancor. That too gives me joy because it tells me that America’s essential optimism has not been lost or snuffed out and is poised to come surging back. And that explicit hope for the future doesn’t just depend on our political leaders—as important as they are—but on the choices made by each of us.
In my estimation, that means confronting the hateful actions determined to make our country and people smaller, grimmer and more divided, but also recognizing the everyday ways that light and positivity define us. This can be something as big and public as working to elect optimistic, forward-looking leaders or something more private and intimate like helping a friend in need or just spending time with someone you love.
What do you think? Where do you find joy? How would you spend a free afternoon when there’s nothing that you have to do? Are you finding yourself more hopeful that the optimism of the last month can last and will grow stronger? Do you agree that the large majority of Americans prefer this kind of future?
As always, I look forward to reading your observations and the opportunity of this community to hear from each other. Please do be respectful in your remarks. Trolling will not be tolerated.
