If you’ve been reading here you know that my next book comes out in a few days. It’s subtitled “A funny book about horrible things” because Furiously Happy is all about looking for the light in spite of the dark parts of life that weigh us down. It’s easy to lose yourself in the fog so when you find your way out it’s important to celebrate that victory with joy so that you can remember it and carry that hope and that memory with you the next time you go back into battle.
I have clinical depression, severe anxiety disorder, chronic pain, and a host of other disorders. My broken, dark times are terrible…but the bright, furiously happy moments are blinding. I wanted to find a way to share that but I couldn’t do it alone, so I reached out on the internet and asked for volunteers brave enough to share with me. And thousands of you responded and the responses broke my heart and then made it stronger again. I wish I had 100 videos because there were so many amazing stories I wanted to share, but I only have one video and I hope (and believe) it’s strong enough to inspire us all a little.
(Click here if you don’t see the video, or want to make it bigger.)
So now what? That’s up to you. You can watch the video and if it speaks to you you can share it. If you are moved to then you can share your own words in the comments. If you want to share your own images of why you are broken but still furiously happy to inspire others that would be amazing. (And if you tag it with #furiouslyhappy others will be able to see it and share.) Or if you simply watch it once and it makes you smile then it’s done its job.
PS. An enormous thank you to everyone who shared their words, to the brave people who sent in video – both to the people you recognize and already love, and to the people you don’t recognize but love now. Thank you to the people who were on board until it was time to film and then realized they just couldn’t do it, because your strength in saying, “No, I’m not quite ready to share this yet” is inspiring and a reminder that self-care comes in many forms. Thank you to my niece Gabi who wrote and played the song on the video, and thank you to the creative team who made this a reality. And thank you for watching. And sharing. And supporting. And for saving me and so many others. Thank you for everything that you are.