#take joy

[asirensrage]

"The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy." - Fra Giovanni Giocondo

Take joy.

[rebadeutsch]

google.com

[tyrograph]

I just cried colouring in this bullet journal square.

I've been "meaning to" open an e-store to sell my art for ages. Years. For 2020 i said enough is enough, that's my resolution. I need to Make Real Things and my hamster-wheel job is not that. So i colour a square every day that i do something toward that goal.

It turned out to be pretty easy to set up, after all. And i got 2 orders in the first 3 days. Just from family & a friend, people who have bought my work f2f before, so not a new market, but it made me cry anyway.

Why? Because they're proof that it's at least a little possible. I always push myself and feel like nothing i do is enough, but i looked at that blank square for today and picked up my pen and was overwhelmingly happy for a moment. It was that moment - not when i got the sales, or placed the print order, but when i said, "now i get to colour a square!" it was like i said to myself, it's ok to be happy about this. It's ok even tho it's a tiny little step. It's ok to take joy in these little things. It could get bigger, and if it stays small that's ok too. Each step along the way so far has been easier than i feared. And each one has ultimately made me happier.

And it's ok to feel good about that.

[protoslacker]

Gratitude

Many thanks to all. You post such beautiful images. You allow me a chance to begin to understand so many topics I had no idea about. Thanks for your hunger and thirst for justice.

Most of all I'm grateful for the kindness you show. At times the events of the day are overwhelming. Your kindness encourages me to take hope.

Happy New Year! 

[obscuredrapture]

I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much that while I cannot give, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in its today. Take Heaven. No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace. The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach is joy. Take Joy. And so, [...] I greet you with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

"Take Joy" by Fra Giovanni - 1513 AD

[jaffecenterforbookarts]

Ready to celebrate even more obscure holidays? The gentlemen over at Convivio Bookworks just cranked out these vibrant, postcard-sized prints in honor of Copperman's Day (a holiday which, when googled, yields their website as the first search result). 

Proceeds are split between Convivio and JCBA, raising much needed funds for the center in preparation for a few upcoming events. 

Only $3 at the front desk, and you walk away with a little reminder to stay positive. 

[elizaaaisrawr]

Take joy in what you can, and while it lasts, because life isn't perfect but it has perfect moments