Be Joyful, Though You Have Considered All the Facts

I’ll get no awards nor recognition for pointing out the obvious: we live in stressful times. Duh.

Every day we confront many reasons to worry: political division, widening income inequality, homelessness, the rising cost of living, global wars and human suffering, concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence, the weakening of social norms and cultural institutions, and the often-toxic influence of social media. And that’s only a partial list so it’s easy to understand why so many of us feel overwhelmed.

Indeed, “if you’re not concerned, you’re not paying attention.” I found that bit of wisdom on a bumper sticker.  

“Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.” — Wendell Berry

Our concerns are real. Pretending otherwise accomplishes little. But neither does allowing them to derail us. The writer, Wendell Berry, has offered his perspective – we can acknowledges the facts without surrendering to them. He challenges us to remain joyful in a world that gives us so many reasons not to be. He reminds us that there is another side of the ledger, one that gives us hope.

Here are some suggestions, from me to you:

Practice Gratitude: Recognize What You Have

We can become so preoccupied with what has gone wrong, or what might happen, that we overlook the good in our lives. Gratitude shifts our attention from what we lack to what we possess. It doesn’t change our circumstances, but it can change how we view them. You can begin by giving thanks for:

Your Everyday Gifts

A home where we are safe and warm, enjoying hot water and food in abundance. Much of the world lacks these simple pleasures.

The People Who Matter

A spouse, a child, a friend, a neighbor, anyone who takes the time to ask how we’re doing.

The Gift of Another Day

Whatever our age or circumstances, each new day offers possibilities. We are still here.

Stay Informed

Be aware of what’s going on, but don’t immerse yourself in the news. Follow trusted news outlets and recognize the biases of social media sites.  

Take Good Care

Our bodies have gotten us this far. Care for them. You owe it to yourself.

• Follow the science, not the politicians. Do the research (ask AI for help). Get your shots.
• Stay Fit: develop and commit to a good exercise regime. Eat well. Walk everywhere; take the stairs. Stave off frailty.
• Get into nature as often as possible.
• Find good healthcare and practitioners who listen.

Stay Curious

• Read books (especially ones that challenge old assumptions), attend classes, visit museums.
• Discover a new interest and return to old ones. Work toward manifesting your dreams.
• Welcome the unfamiliar.

Find acceptance for the things you can’t control. Approach them with curiosity.

Feed your soul, making room for passion which may lie dormant within. Deepen your faith. If that doesn’t work for you, get comfortable with uncertainty.

Grow and Savor Relationships

Many of life’s deepest satisfactions come not from what we accumulate but from whom we love and who loves us in return. Relationships provide comfort in difficult times, companionship in ordinary ones, and memories that enrich our lives long after the moments themselves have passed.

• Make the phone call; someone will welcome it. You need not wait for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion to express affection.
• Smile at your neighbors and start a conversation.
• Practice active listening. Ask questions.

“Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.” Not because the world is free of troubles, but because even in a troubled world, there is still so much worth loving, appreciating, discovering, and celebrating.

The facts deserve our attention. But they do not deserve all of it.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How often do you feel distress because of the news you hear? How do you handle it most days?