What happens when you cultivate joy?
You become it.
I felt this intention in action when I met Dr.Tarika Barrett.
Dr. Barrett spent her childhood growing up between Brooklyn and Kingston, Jamaica. It was during her formative years in Jamaica that she watched her mother launch the country’s first mentorship program; Unbeknownst that she’d too go on to lead one, Girls Who Code: A phenomenal non-profit closing the gender gap in tech.
We met in the midst of the pandemic, as she launched remote programs, all whilst serving as a trusted voice navigating the education crisis and creating more equitable workplaces. She meets each moment with sincere belief and steadfastness. Yet, all I could feel was her joy.
"In all of it, I find joy."
Joy is sustenance for Dr.Barrett; the genesis of the optimism and strength we need to pursue our purpose. We explore how she 'anchors hers’ in a spirit of thankfulness' and the avenues we have to do so each day.
When do you feel the most joyful? How might you honor those moments more?
May we feel our joy fully this week. As the late Mary Oliver wrote, "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give into it."
With gratitude,
Jenna