I think there are times when we feel like we don't deserve joy or it's too much for these times,

but knowing that our joy strengthens us to do important work,

the important work that we have that will make the world better,

if we allow ourselves joy, we're more equipped for that.

So living a joyful life is the most selfless thing we can do.

Hi, this is Monica Packer, and you're listening to About Progress, where we are about progress, where we are about progress made practical.

In ninth grade, the final year of junior high where I grew up, there was a tradition where in the yearbook under the picture of

each ninth grade student would be a single word that described them. I don't remember

the process of how that word was chosen, but I do remember

my word under my ninth grade picture in your book. It says, Optimist. I can honestly tell you

that that is not how I would describe myself anymore. On a good day, I would describe myself more with this single word,

realist. No matter how you slice it, life is hard. For some of us, that is an understatement,

but for all of us, it's true that life is difficult. I don't know about you, but the last few months, maybe years,

I have struggled to maintain even my realist identity. It gets harder and harder to be anything

more than bitter, angry, or depressed. I've personally been working to be aware of it. I,

you know, I try to watch my thoughts. I try to rest so I'm not

worn out all the time. I try to prioritize hobbies for that spark of light and joy and fulfillment.

And yet, I have to admit to you. I have found it really difficult lately to maintain hope,

to feel joy in all the in between of those moments. But I read a book recently

that really changed so much for me. It's not about waiting until the schedules free up,

or the bank account bulks up, or the hardships fade away. It's about cultivating joy in the smallest of

ways, right here, right now. My guest, Diane Schiffer, is the author of that book called The Smallest of

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