This post is SUCH a comfort, John. When I realized there was to be a HUGE protest movement on 6/14, my heart sank. My parents (both deceased) married on my mother's birthday, which is Flag Day--June 14th. It's always been a day I remember them. When I saw it is the orange monster's birthday as well, I was horrified, and then there's that military parade, an abomination. My dad was a Navy veteran who served during two wars. But I can't participate in counterprotests on June 14th because I've arranged a long weekend for the only family reunion our family has ever had. There will be 18 of us and we've reserved cabins in a gorgeous state park. A couple of my brothers are right wing fundamentalists, and they will be there (I'm so grateful for the fact that we're all still speaking and love each other). My middle brother and I took care of our mother together for five years until she died of COVID in December 2025 after 10 years of degradation by Alzheimer's. He's a wonderful man, and I understand (as much as that's possible) how he's indoctrinated as a Southern Baptist. Also a right wing gun nut. But this is an opportunity to welcome him among our family and so I'm holding his weekend as sacred to our family--despite the fact that our reservations will mean I'm off in the country in a beautiful, natural setting with several generations of us (now I'm the oldest)--instead of out in the streets where I would be if not for this event. Your post about making time for joy is a big comfort because I really felt torn, not being able to be in the streets with all my resistance brothers and sisters.
I spent a weekend with my Southern Evangelical family to celebrate my aunt’s (their mother and grandmother’s) 90th birthday. I was so grateful that I did. We stayed away from politics and if someone brought it up, I moved away. They had no one to argue with and eventually rejoined the group.
I have to say that the title is one of the best-fitting article titles of all time, and the advice is sound. How better to resist oppression and tyranny than to boldly live a life that laughs in its face?
Thank you so much for this and all your posts. I’m having trouble enjoying anything. I taught university history for my career and taught some aspect of the constitution every semester in my survey classes , my Women’s and African American history upper level classes. My mind is blown by the trashing of our constitution and government. I know people need to have joy so they can fight again. But we need reminding often.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson disease and now I’m learning to live with Intent. I have to do everything my body used to do automatically with intent. From speaking to drinking. Suddenly my body is having to do what my mind has done for years. I keep resisting and following Jesus with intent. Thank goodness for you John who helps light my way
I will go with dancing. While we are living in challenging times, and we do need to protest in the streets, we are a hopeful people, children of God, and living in God’s Kingdom here and now. We can not allow our tragic national state and world situation to rob us of our our love, joy, and peace. Protest in the streets by day, the dance in celebration after the protest. May our love flow to all living things and change the world one dance at a time.
Throw in a couple of funerals into one’s “social calendar,” and present, personal reality can’t deal with the national reality at all! In the face of that big ugly bill to likely pass into law - and thus ushering in fascism for sure- it’s no wonder I’m nestled in for an afternoon nap. (Escapism heralded in with a good novel to read). Yet I offer these suggestions: try taking up a restful hobby like painting, and seriously consider adopting a rescue dog. We all need peace, love, and understanding. See you on the other side.
I recently found myself driving unexpectedly through Dubuque, IA, and being seized with amazement at that mighty river. Real joyful amazement. Followed by a weekend in Wisconsin with incredibly creative family, filled with love. This will sustain me as I continue to resist.
Amen brother. As the poet Rilke said, "Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. No feeling is final. Just keep going." (Go to the Limits of Your Longing). Don't let the bastards steel your joy. Summer is a time to remember the abundance and beauty of creation, and summer camps make lifetime memories!
Thank you for these words of encouragement right now. I am just coming off another dreary day where "so-called friends" have disappointed me yet again with their rude and insensitive behavior. So I went and bought some flowers and ate a big old cheeseburger and some fries, and came home and smelled my freshly mowed lawn. And still I persist.
Facism takes a vacation (from new executive orders) because the dear leader is golfing or hosting dinners; however, that doesn't keep him from 2:00 AM posts on Truth Social, where he can make threats or ridiculous promises. I haven't been able to take a vacation. I still read my emails and look at Apple News.
Good Goddess, hon, give yourself a break! Pick up a tambourine and caper uproariously about the living room to "Put the Lime in the Coconut" -- sunbathe in the garden and enjoy the sensuous breeze wisping across your body -- sing at the top of your lungs in the shower "What's Going On?!" by 4 Non-Blondes -- dabble your toes in the water at your local beach, whether at the ocean or a local river or lake, saying, "Ahhhh" and marveling at just how damn good that feels -- put on the Ritz and in all your finery bounce on a lime green hippity-hop across your local park while laughing joyously with others at your grand silliness -- find a drum circle and dance dance dance your heart out, living and breathing and being with other like-minded souls!!!
Love both of those songs! "What's Going On" is particularly relevant in these times. And I scream "Heyya, ya, ya, ya, Heyya ya!" every time it comes on the radio.
Me too!!! And I do sing along at the top of my lungs! Love that song! And yes, of late, I've been listening to it a whole heckuva lot because it is so spot on topical to these dystopian times. And every time hearing that song and singing along bucks me up, focuses me, rouses me from my doldrums, and gets me energized to fight back.
This post is SUCH a comfort, John. When I realized there was to be a HUGE protest movement on 6/14, my heart sank. My parents (both deceased) married on my mother's birthday, which is Flag Day--June 14th. It's always been a day I remember them. When I saw it is the orange monster's birthday as well, I was horrified, and then there's that military parade, an abomination. My dad was a Navy veteran who served during two wars. But I can't participate in counterprotests on June 14th because I've arranged a long weekend for the only family reunion our family has ever had. There will be 18 of us and we've reserved cabins in a gorgeous state park. A couple of my brothers are right wing fundamentalists, and they will be there (I'm so grateful for the fact that we're all still speaking and love each other). My middle brother and I took care of our mother together for five years until she died of COVID in December 2025 after 10 years of degradation by Alzheimer's. He's a wonderful man, and I understand (as much as that's possible) how he's indoctrinated as a Southern Baptist. Also a right wing gun nut. But this is an opportunity to welcome him among our family and so I'm holding his weekend as sacred to our family--despite the fact that our reservations will mean I'm off in the country in a beautiful, natural setting with several generations of us (now I'm the oldest)--instead of out in the streets where I would be if not for this event. Your post about making time for joy is a big comfort because I really felt torn, not being able to be in the streets with all my resistance brothers and sisters.
You are brave. I don't know that I would have the wherewithal to spend extended time with my MAGA relatives. So sad. Do let us all know how it goes.
I spent a weekend with my Southern Evangelical family to celebrate my aunt’s (their mother and grandmother’s) 90th birthday. I was so grateful that I did. We stayed away from politics and if someone brought it up, I moved away. They had no one to argue with and eventually rejoined the group.
I have to say that the title is one of the best-fitting article titles of all time, and the advice is sound. How better to resist oppression and tyranny than to boldly live a life that laughs in its face?
Thank you so much for this and all your posts. I’m having trouble enjoying anything. I taught university history for my career and taught some aspect of the constitution every semester in my survey classes , my Women’s and African American history upper level classes. My mind is blown by the trashing of our constitution and government. I know people need to have joy so they can fight again. But we need reminding often.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson disease and now I’m learning to live with Intent. I have to do everything my body used to do automatically with intent. From speaking to drinking. Suddenly my body is having to do what my mind has done for years. I keep resisting and following Jesus with intent. Thank goodness for you John who helps light my way
I will go with dancing. While we are living in challenging times, and we do need to protest in the streets, we are a hopeful people, children of God, and living in God’s Kingdom here and now. We can not allow our tragic national state and world situation to rob us of our our love, joy, and peace. Protest in the streets by day, the dance in celebration after the protest. May our love flow to all living things and change the world one dance at a time.
Beautifully said. I love this piece by John, and I love your response here. Thank you.
“Scatter joy!” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Throw in a couple of funerals into one’s “social calendar,” and present, personal reality can’t deal with the national reality at all! In the face of that big ugly bill to likely pass into law - and thus ushering in fascism for sure- it’s no wonder I’m nestled in for an afternoon nap. (Escapism heralded in with a good novel to read). Yet I offer these suggestions: try taking up a restful hobby like painting, and seriously consider adopting a rescue dog. We all need peace, love, and understanding. See you on the other side.
Another jaw dropping message! You have a gift for creating hope in this mess. Thank you.
Thank you for this great post! I’ll be rereading it whenever I need to remind myself to keep dancing!!
I recently found myself driving unexpectedly through Dubuque, IA, and being seized with amazement at that mighty river. Real joyful amazement. Followed by a weekend in Wisconsin with incredibly creative family, filled with love. This will sustain me as I continue to resist.
Needed this one today as my feed is listing more and more I'd rather not face.
Thank you for this reminder!
Amen brother. As the poet Rilke said, "Let everything happen to you, beauty and terror. No feeling is final. Just keep going." (Go to the Limits of Your Longing). Don't let the bastards steel your joy. Summer is a time to remember the abundance and beauty of creation, and summer camps make lifetime memories!
As the non-poet me says: Let everything happen to you. It's going to anyway.
Dancing slowly here, John!
Thank you for these words of encouragement right now. I am just coming off another dreary day where "so-called friends" have disappointed me yet again with their rude and insensitive behavior. So I went and bought some flowers and ate a big old cheeseburger and some fries, and came home and smelled my freshly mowed lawn. And still I persist.
Facism takes a vacation (from new executive orders) because the dear leader is golfing or hosting dinners; however, that doesn't keep him from 2:00 AM posts on Truth Social, where he can make threats or ridiculous promises. I haven't been able to take a vacation. I still read my emails and look at Apple News.
Good Goddess, hon, give yourself a break! Pick up a tambourine and caper uproariously about the living room to "Put the Lime in the Coconut" -- sunbathe in the garden and enjoy the sensuous breeze wisping across your body -- sing at the top of your lungs in the shower "What's Going On?!" by 4 Non-Blondes -- dabble your toes in the water at your local beach, whether at the ocean or a local river or lake, saying, "Ahhhh" and marveling at just how damn good that feels -- put on the Ritz and in all your finery bounce on a lime green hippity-hop across your local park while laughing joyously with others at your grand silliness -- find a drum circle and dance dance dance your heart out, living and breathing and being with other like-minded souls!!!
Love both of those songs! "What's Going On" is particularly relevant in these times. And I scream "Heyya, ya, ya, ya, Heyya ya!" every time it comes on the radio.
Me too!!! And I do sing along at the top of my lungs! Love that song! And yes, of late, I've been listening to it a whole heckuva lot because it is so spot on topical to these dystopian times. And every time hearing that song and singing along bucks me up, focuses me, rouses me from my doldrums, and gets me energized to fight back.