Joy Seekers Weekly : Joy Is Resistance

“Joy is an act of resistance.”— Toi Derricotte, poet, professor, and truth-teller.

Learn more about Toi Derricotte, her poetry, and her legacy of healing through words.

Welcome, Joy Seeker

Let’s start here: the world can be a lot. There are days when the "breaking news" headlines drain us, the inbox piles up with more requests and demands, and even our own thoughts feel too loud. And yet, here you are, choosing to search for joy anyway. That choice? It’s not indulgent, it's not avoidant or naïve. It’s radical. It’s spiritual. It’s resistance.

What Does It Mean to Choose Joy?

Choosing joy doesn’t mean ignoring pain. It’s not toxic positivity. It’s looking harsh and draining realities in the eye and saying,“You will not have the last word today.”

Joy is a form of defiance—especially for those of us who have lived in spaces that have attempted to silence, suppress, or shrink us.

Reflect: Where Has Joy Found You Lately?

Close your eyes for a second. Think back to the last time you felt a spark of joy. Real joy. Maybe it was:

• Hearing your favorite song and dancing without thinking.

• Laughing way too hard at a friend’s silly voice note.

• Watching the sun sneak through your kitchen window at just the right angle.

  
  

Write it down. Feel it again. This is your reminder: joy is your birthright; it doesn’t have to be earned. It’s already yours.

A Gentle Practice for the Week

This week, try this simple but sacred ritual:

“The Joy Jar” Each night, write down one joyful thing from your day. It could be deep or small or weird or silly. Put it in a jar, a box, or a folder on your phone. As the days go by, watch it grow. and at he end of the week reflect on your joyful moments. If its feels right, take that practice into the next week. Joy accumulates. Let it.

Candle Pairing: Always Be Healing This scent was poured with moments like this in mind — when you’re choosing joy in spite of it all. Notes of Lemongrass and Cedar to ground and uplift.

Let’s Walk This Together

You’re not doing this alone. We’re a joy-seeking crew now.

If this post moved you, leave a comment and tell me one place joy surprised you this week. And if you’re on Instagram or Facebook, tag me in your #JoyIsResistance moments. I want to celebrate with you .

Affirmation of the Week

“Today, I choose joy—not because life is perfect, but because my spirit is.”

Final Word: Your Joy Is Sacred

You don’t need permission to feel joyful. You don’t need perfect circumstances. Your joy is a light in the darkness. A form of gratitude. A quiet no to everything that tries to pull you under.

Keep choosing it. That’s your power. That’s your resistance.