40 Comments
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The Girls Column's avatar

This was just what we all needed 💙

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Sending love!

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

We all need it!

Heather's avatar
5dEdited

Thank you- I feel the joy when reading your words and there is such a shortage of that joy these days. Much appreciated and keep shining bright.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you for reading, Heather! Appreciate your encouragement

Naty Oglesby's avatar

This article gave me some hope and gave me some great ideas. What a lovely combination! I enjoyed the illustrations as well. Can't wait to do a deep dive on the related articles. Thanks for brining me joy today. What a blessing! :)

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you, Naty!!

Skye's avatar

Thank you, Jenna! This was a delightful read, and it was so very helpful 😊

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Glad you think so!

Kelly Garrison's avatar

The first time I ever really felt grief was when I sadly had two miscarriages, both around ten weeks, within six months. My son was a healthy one-year-old at the time and it was just such a shock for us. But like you I felt like I learned so much from my grief and was able to cultivate some real joy during that time, thank God. So much of that joy was just from letting people love me, like you said. I was afraid to really let people into my life in a lot of ways, and that changed when I felt grief for the first time.

Before all this I went through a depressive period in my life, like what you mention, and I was amazed at how much easier things were after my miscarriage despite my external circumstances being harder. Taking care of yourself makes a huge difference!

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. The timing, confusion, and weight of that season sound so painful. I am so grateful to hear your perspective of joy — it is inspiring and hopeful for so many to read.

Rach Rose's avatar

Such a thoughtful & sweet post

Zarka's avatar

Talk for a long time. Love it!!

Emily McCreight's avatar

Your writing always feels like a safe place for me, just like the way you describe your old storefront. I’ve been fighting a cold and speaking unkindly to myself about my change in capacity, about how so many have it so much worse - and this was just the reminder I needed to change my perspective. Thank you for being a safe space for so many, you fill the role you’re called to with color, understanding, and grace ✨🌈

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Thank you for such a kind encouragement. Your words mean so much to me. I hope you are feeling better today!

Shanan Z's avatar

What I needed to read tonight <3

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

🖤🖊️just for you!!

Jillian Dees's avatar

Love and needed this ♥️

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

So happy to hear

Little Pocketful's avatar

Best thing I have read today, thank you!

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

What a compliment! Thank you!

Samantha's avatar

This was a warm hug to me today. Thank you 💛

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

That was exactly what I hoped it would feel like!

Fran Carona's avatar

I call those micro joys glimmers. The opposite of triggers.

Shannan Martin's avatar

I believe what will get us through is being honest about all of it - the madness and the miracles. The abundant life means we get it all! My counterweights so far today: Lighting a pink taper candle for my morning tea (it's square! and thrifted!), apricot jam on toast, choosint the find the endless snow lovely, my favourite t-shirt, a new recipe for Friday night pizza, Trader Joe's Chai mints.

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Sounds like a sweet and soft evening! Big emphasis on "choosing" to find endless snow lovely, haha!

Roxanne C.S. | The Cozy Hours's avatar

Neighbourhood bike ride, charm necklaces and book stores are all my yesses!

Jenna O'Brien's avatar

Sounds like a kind of day I need too!