One of my two favorite things ever recorded for television is the R.E.M. rendition of “Shiny Happy People” for Sesame Street–“Furry Happy Monsters.” I watch it when things feel particularly challenging, because I can’t think of anything more uplifting than Muppets grappling with sadness and coming out on the other side while Michael Stipe jumps up and down singing. I welcome you to watch it and see for yourself how helpful it is. (Unless you’re not an R.E.M. fan. Or a Muppet fan. I get that, too.)
It’s this kind of joy that helps center me and reminds me of the things I love–and why they matter. As the semester wraps up, no matter how trying it has been, I hope you’re able to find that same kind of joy and carry it with you into this final week (!!!!????) of classes. – Ryan