Building Hope
Why not start today?
This week we went to “The Art of the Brick,” a LEGO art exhibit by Nathan Sawaya. It was an interesting collection of pieces from LEGO explorations of art history to sculptures of what he describes his “inner world.” Yet the thing that I keep thinking about was something he said in a video at the beginning of the tour, “My hope is that if you’re inspired by this exhibition made out of Lego art, maybe you go home and grab a few Lego bricks and build a little something for yourself.”
I honestly don’t remember the last time I build something with LEGO for myself, but I am building this Joy Work business. I’m building words together as I type this newsletter. I’m building a loving home with my family. I’m building awareness through advocacy campaigns. I’m building community, and today that feels like hope.
How might you build hope today?
Resources I’m using and sharing this week…
Advocate: Show Up for Our Libraries - American Libraries Association campaign
Article: It’s official: Research has found that libraries make everything better Here’s the report: Libraries & Well-Being: A Case Study from The New York Public Library
The LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory - a free resource created by the Tegan and Sara Foundation and GLMA – Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality
The Curious 100 - a celebration of one hundred courageous leaders and creative minds across the United States who are harnessing the transformative power of curiosity to solve today’s most pressing problems.
Dan Harris: Read this if you’re freaking out about politics - wisdom from a poem
Ways I’m celebrating Women’s History Month…
Support local women leaders! Shoutout to Jessa Coulter, Executive Director of Annapolis Immigration Justice Network (donate today!)
Celebrate women coaches! Laura Dilling’s Power Half an Hour is a wonderful way to start the week. Join her open group coaching for 30 minutes every Monday at 9 am EST. Message me for details.
Joy Practices I’m leaning on this week…
Savoring - NPR article: “How the science of savoring can help you nurture your relationships”
Journaling - Bella Grace’s Field Guide to Everyday Magic
Upcoming Joy Work events
3/25 from 12-1 pm - Florida Library Association webinar - “Aligning Our Values with Joy” - free and open to all; register here!
4/17 New Hampshire Library Association conference keynote; register here
4/30 Chicago Public Library’s All-Staff Institute Day keynote
5/9 Southern Tier Library System keynote
5/15 Florida Library Association conference workshop; register here
5/28 Niche Academy webinar co-presenting on social prescribing with Tammy Turner, Founder and President of Care Prepared
Are you looking for a keynote or workshop to bring more joy to your work world? Check out my website for ideas, including descriptions and learning objectives: https://joyworkllc.com/what-we-do/
More from Joy Work
Book - Order 101 Seeds for Library Joy today and plant a whole lot of joy at your library using this little book’s fun and inventive ideas! For bulk purchases and other special purchasing arrangements, please email editionsmarketing@ala.org.
Speaking - Book workshops and keynotes about well-being, resilience, and connection.
Resources - Learn more about positive psychology and many resources, advocates, researchers, and writers inspiring the joy movement.
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