Let Joy find You this Autumn 27.09.2024 “Joy does not arrive with a fanfare on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.” So writes poet Donna Ashworth. Isn’t that why joy is for our times? While a perfect life feels too remote to be credible, joy is tuned to our pitch. Being good at joy means noticing, welcoming and celebrating the moments of light in our life... The pings of joy. Joy doesn’t ask us to believe in a perfect ever after, it doesn’t even require us to be happy. It greets us where we are, just how we are, often unannounced, “without fanfare”. Not in what we do, but as something that happens to us. Fifty years ago, a book about L’Arche was published, called Enough Room for Joy. While living with learning disabilities can be hard, L’Arche is often full of joy. Such as when Maggie declares with delight, “I’m here” as she sees someone entering the workshop; or when Kevin can’t stop smiling because it’s his birthday party; or when someone breaks out in a dance while doing the washing up. Many people with a learning disability seem to be experts at experiencing and sharing their joy. This Autumn, we want you to help spread the joy by sharing yours. Give us a glimpse of that moment of light that lights up your daily grind. Here is a list of fifty places you might start looking for it. Now let us know where joy finds you on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. #JoyfulRebellion Outdoors Taking a walk through a quiet wood Going for a run in the pouring rain Taking a walk across a stormy clifftop Weeding out the garden Flying a kite Going for a bike ride Enjoying a beautiful view Watching the sunrise or sunset Going for a scenic drive Taking a dip in a river or lake Creativity Singing in the shower Dancing like nobody’s watching Baking cookies and sharing them with the next door neighbour Playing an instrument, or learning a new one Trying out a new hobby or craft Learning a new dance move Listening to a piece of music you love Visiting an art gallery or museum Writing a poem Taking photo of things that make you happy Making a scrapbook of happy memories Serendipity Discovering half a packet of sweets in your coat pocket Hitting upon a delicious new recipe Noticing the leaves turn gold in the autumn sun Hearing the birdsong outside as you lie in bed Discovering a new place Hearing the patter of heavy rain on the roof Witnessing strangers meet on the bus Relationships Calling or visiting someone you love Playing with your pet dog Volunteering for a cause you care about Being greeted by a stranger Playing a game with a friend Catching up with a long-lost friend Seeing someone you love succeed Laughter Watching a funny movie or TV show Hearing someone laugh uncontrollably A good pillow fight Going to a comedy show or open mic night Hosting a game night with friends Googling “funny animal pics” Soulfulness Getting stuck into a great book Doing a jigsaw puzzle Closing your eyes and just listening to the world go by Writing in a journal Practicing deep breathing exercises Practicing yoga or meditation Practicing contemplative silence Talking to God A warm cup of tea on a cold day Manage Cookie Preferences