F ³: Snapshots of Joy

This photo appeared on Bluesky with these words:

Science lady is excited.

Alt text: Screenshot from the nasa stream when their science ops person learns that the astronauts observed impact flashes on the moon

This week has provided many opportunities to see moments like this - - where we can see the sheer joy of those involved in the Artemis II mission. Joy in discovery. Joy in seeing the thing that you deeply love - - and have worked so hard for - - finally come to fruition. Joy in sharing these moments with others.

Never forget this joy. Never underestimate the power of joy.

Photo property of ABC News

More joy this week from New York City mayor Mamdani as he highlights the importance of public workers.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Beautiful day to fill the 100,000th pothole of the year.

Screenshot from Mayor Mamdani’s Bluesky account

Chad Loder: Mamdani is not just filling the potholes with the crew. He's creating a visual and personal reminder of the dignity inherent in all of these anonymous government jobs.

Finally, a different kind of joy from the person who has been bringing us Library Joy since 2023.

I am proud to be an autistic librarian, proud to be a librarian with ADHD. - - Mychal Threets

Screenshot from video, Mychal Threets social media accounts

Video Description:

Mychal tells us he was officially diagnosed with autism & ADHD. He talks about the many emotions & feelings, including grief, anxiety, worry, hope & joy. Grief for a younger version of himself who always felt different & that he didn’t belong anywhere. Hope & joy for himself learning who he’s always been. He told a Storytime about his diagnosis, and a library kid said they were alike! Mychal felt seen, he is still feeling a lot but is hopeful he can begin to love himself. He wonders if this is the first day of the rest of his life.

You may wonder why receiving a diagnosis of autism and adhd would be cause for joy. And plenty of folks have wondered why Threets has been so open about sharing his ongoing struggles with anxiety and depression.

I suspect he is proud to share his diagnosis because he had to work so hard and for so long to get to this point. Threets now has an answer to deep questions he has had about himself and about how he experiences the world. He has a starting point for healing and treatment. A different journey is beginning, one with less fear and, hopefully, more joy.

I suspect that, all along, he has been honest because he wants others to know they are not alone. There is a special kind of joy in knowing who you are and in feeling that you are not alone.

Whatever kind of joy there is in the world right now - - let it be shared.

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