Follow the joy

In the last few weeks, I've had numerous conversations with friends about how we are all struggling with overwhelm. 2025 has proven to be a very energy-draining year—from fires in LA and executive orders to immigration changes, inflation, tariffs, geopolitical tensions, layoffs, and the ongoing push and pull between enthusiasm and fear with the emergence of AI agents.

Honestly, it's a lot.

Things feel heavy and stressful—and that’s before we even get to the ongoing day-to-day challenges so many of us experience in our personal lives.

As I ground myself in my 2025 intention, I’ve been searching for ideas and inspiration to help me find my own balance between emotion and action. I’ve been focusing on a few themes that seem to be helping, so I thought I’d share them more broadly in hopes that they might be helpful.

I have moved away from social networking and tv news and toward more intentional reading. I’ve been exploring a variety of blogs, listening to podcasts, and reading books to help me see the world from different perspectives and experiences. I’m attempting to take a longer view to provide ballast against the onslaught of chaos. I’m also investing in reducing negativity and seeking news sources that provide summarized, fact-based reporting.

I am being more purposeful about where I spend my attention. I’m continuing to invest in my #AdmireOutLoud practice while also seeking inspiration and sharing what I find. I recognize that emotions are contagious, and I’m doing my part to bring more positivity into my life—allowing me to cultivate greater creativity, energy, and the capacity to invent the future.

Here’s the thing: we can hold these two seemingly opposing truths at the same time. There are many (many) stressful things happening right now, but there are also countless joyful and amazing moments unfolding. From the birth of new babies and the blooming of spring to mind-blowing scientific discoveries and powerful, moving experiences in the arts. There are people investing in their health and well-being whom we admire, neighbors showing us how to help one another, and friends bringing belly laughs and reminding us of the sheer absurdity of the human experience.

The generosity of people sharing their expertise, ideas, and gifts with others takes my breath away. While there are many things I wish I could change but cannot, there is still much within my control. I will focus on kindness and practice joy as a form of resistance. I will share that joy with as many people as possible because, together, we are powerful.

I believe in us.