Joy-Bringers and Inspo-Givers
There just isn’t enough joy in this world. And, yes, absolutely, joy doesn’t always land front-and-center because the world is a harsh place with brutal realities, many of which have been swept under the rug or systematized into policies. No question there.
But there also isn’t enough joy because somewhere along the line (looking at you, Industrial Revolution) we decided that joy, fun, delight were all extras. They were nice-to-have but not necessary-to-life and therefore, they weren’t worth it. They were extravagant, extra, and unnecessary. That they couldn’t, wouldn’t, or didn’t play a vital role in the health of a person and a community.
There is another version of this story, one where the joy isn’t extra or extravagant. One where delight is a value, and pursuing it is as worthwhile as pursuing profit. That perhaps, in the process of pursuing joy, one might find a “profit” that feels deeply valuable.
There can, and should be, joy. Not to negate the realities of the world, but to truly experience it. We are neither all despair, nor all happiness. We are not one thing. We can hold onto joy, and remember it when the harshness of the world comes calling.
Here are some of our favourite joy-bringers and inspiration-givers:
Keith Lee (@keith_lee125). This MMA fighter uses his massive social following to change up the fates of struggling restaurants. He reviews their food (that he’s always purchased with his own cash money), shares on the ‘Tok, and the result is an influx of foodies that resuscitates dying businesses. Can you even? Someone pass the tissue! (And also all the food, because Vegas is v far from our office).
Ingrid Fetell Lee (@ingridfetell). A designer and author who has researched the aesthetics of joy and shares them so beautifully on her Instagram. There’s nothing quite like some who knows joy, sharing joy, and encouraging others to find it too!
This.Is.Like.Magic (@this.is.like.magic). An Instagram follow that is so damn simple but oh-so-good. The feed is a curated list of “endless ways to make someone’s day.” Stories are shared, ideas inspired, and goodness abounds.
Humans of New York (@humansofny). Not an earth-shattering inclusion, we know, but when those (1/14) threads pop up, the 👏🏽day 👏🏽 is👏🏽 changed👏🏽! That’s what we're talking about! How many times is too many times to refresh a feed? Asking for a friend.
Drake On Cake (@drakeoncake). This account is just Drake lyrics on delicious looking cakes, but truly begs the question, why don’t we have more stuff on cakes? Or maybe just more cakes? Either way, we are always inspired to eat cake.
So many things to love! Let’s share the joy, shall we?
Sarah Whyte is Bright Light Content’s Copywriter and Brand Strategist. She’s a quick talking, avid reader who delights in noticing big truths in everyday places.
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