JOY + Design

The ChangeMakers for Impact network is so excited to announce our new theme for May, June, and early July: JOY + Design

Angela Anderson and I had the privilege of meeting and hearing from Ingrid Fetell Lee last month, the well-known designer and author of the book “Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness.”

This book is a groundbreaking investigation that turns everything we think we know about happiness on its head. An emerging body of research reveals a strong link between the spaces and objects we interact with daily and our mental health.  Deep within us all is the desire to seek out JOY in our surroundings and work places.

For me personally,  I was drawn to this book because like many of you, I want to find more JOY in my life and help others experience it. #JOYfinding

Together, we will be Embracing Exploration around Ingrid’s 10 aesthetics of JOY:

Energy: vibrant color and light

Abundance: lushness, multiplicity, and variety

Freedom: nature, wildness, and open spaces

Harmony: balance, symmetry, and flow

Play: circles, spheres, and bubble forms

Surprise:contrast and whimsy

Transcendence:elevation and lightness

Magic: invisible forces and illusions

Celebration: synchrony, sparkle, and bursting shapes

Renewal: blossoming, expansion, and curves

As we explore, might we all consider allowing the posts, articles, questions, and information from the different hosts to help guide us in answering these 4 essential questions over the next 10 weeks:

• Where is joy hiding in your life? #joyfinding
• What does joy feel like to you?
• How do you want the places, things, and events you are creating and co-creating to feel?
• How do I make my workplace more joyful?

I am keeping a JOY journal over the next 10 weeks.  If you are interested in joining me in this activity, you can find a framework for doing this that Ingrid created on her website.

Happy #JOYfinding