Here's to the joy givers

Those who are practicing optimism

I had a pretty good week last week.

Well, to be honest it was better than that.

In between my usual day-to-day work I managed to nick over to Seattle for 36 hours and speak to the team at Microsoft Headquarters about creativity.

This is not an attempt at a humble brag btw. The reason I mention it is that while I was feeling positive there was a whole heap of shit happening around the world that was pretty awful.

War, assassinations - the works. I had to turn the news off at one point because it felt like it was too much.

In those moments I’m reminded of the ‘radiators and drains’ theory. You are either someone who radiates positivity and it draws people in. Or you’re a drain and you suck the energy out of the room.

I previously wrote about it here in relation to Coldplay. They go the extra mile to make their concerts an experience and a positive memory.

So today I thought I’d share a random list of ‘joy givers’ I gathered while I was in Seattle or in transit to and from the U.S.

• Role Model: The singer otherwise known as Tucker Pillsbury has made this song a viral sensation. Sure it’s froth and bubble but it will definitely lift your mood.

• Charlotte Liebling, founder of ‘Loved Before”. She established the company with the mission of giving pre-loved stuffed animals a second life, reducing waste, and honouring their back stories.

• Brian Wilson: Vale, for sharing his music with the world. Last week was a great chance to reminisce and re-live Pet Sounds. Plus this amazing piece of creativity from BBC Music featuring Brian himself.

• People announcing their pregnancies on social media. I know it can be triggering for some who don’t have the ability to have kids but just like a wedding, a truly joyous moment full of optimism about the future.

• And anyone doing a walk, running a marathon, or simply putting cash in the cup of a person living on the streets over the weekend. Thanks for doing your bit.

There are always signs of hope.

If you feel the world is a shitty place go looking for the radiators. Better still, be one yourself.

God only knows we need more of them.

See you Monday Morning,

Wade