Embracing Joy Against the Odds: The Human Spirit in Hard Times

Last year, I announced “Joy” as my word of the year, and I believe I succeeded in both adding more joy to my life and recognizing its existing presence. When the time came to choose a new word for this year, I considered options like “resilience,” “perseverance,” and “resolve.” While these are admirable traits, they seemed to emphasize struggle and hardship. Wanting instead to focus on the positive, I ultimately decided to stick with “joy” and added “fun” for good measure—who couldn’t use more of that? Now, the question remains: how do we achieve this?

Life presents a continual balance between joy and suffering, embodying a profound human paradox. Our capacity for laughter and delight exists alongside our recognition of pain and loss. History shows that people have always found ways to experience joy even during tragedies. For instance, during the Black Death, the rise of carnivals and the “Danse Macabre” illustrated a society dancing in the face of death. Similarly, the jazz and blues movements during the Great Depression provided an escape for many from the harsh realities of poverty and despair.

These examples demonstrate that while suffering is universal, so is the ability to seize fleeting moments of happiness. By changing our perspective, engaging in meaningful activities, and cherishing small joys, we can discover light even in the darkest times. To be human is to know suffering—no one escapes pain, whether from loss, failure, or injustice. Yet, it is this very awareness that enhances our appreciation for joy. The contrast between darkness and light, struggle and happiness, is what makes joy in difficult times not just possible, but also deeply meaningful.

Humor plays a crucial role in coping with life’s absurdities. Many great comedians and thinkers have mined suffering for irony, using wit as a shield against despair. Laughter is an act of defiance, a reminder that despite everything, we remain alive, capable of feeling and connecting through shared absurdities. Our reaction to hardship shapes our experience of it. While suffering is inevitable, our responses to it—whether through despair or adaptation—are not predetermined. Gratitude and mindfulness are vital, helping us to focus on what remains rather than what is lost, uncovering joys that might otherwise be overlooked.

Moreover, storytelling, through books, movies, or personal reflection, allows us to process and share our struggles. It shows that hardship is a fundamental aspect of human life and that hope and laughter can still emerge from the depths of despair. Many of history’s greatest artistic and literary works were born from such struggles, proving that creativity can flourish even in hardship.

Engaging in meaningful activities acts as a form of resistance against despair. Creativity, whether expressed through writing, painting, or music, serves as a powerful means to process emotions and transform pain into beauty. Historical examples like Shakespeare’s plays during the plague or Van Gogh’s paintings amidst personal turmoil illustrate the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Physical activities, too, provide joy, as movement reminds us of our presence and capabilities within our bodies.

Connection with others is perhaps the most potent remedy to suffering. Isolation exacerbates pain, while shared experiences can mitigate it. Engaging with others, whether in person or virtually, can provide comfort and remind us that we are not alone. Even in the worst of times—

through wars, economic downturns, or health crises—humanity has found ways to celebrate life and maintain connections.

In light of life’s impermanence, we should view joy as precious and fleeting. Rather than despairing over the transient nature of life, we can embrace it as motivation to cherish every moment of joy we find. A fleeting sunset or a brief moment of laughter amid hardship can still bring profound happiness. Therefore, finding fun in difficult times is not about ignoring pain but about choosing not to let it dominate our lives. The human condition is marked by inevitable tragedy, but also by incredible resilience. By embracing this duality, we engage in a profound celebration of what it means to be beautifully human.

Eva Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of 3 Springs Coaching, LLC. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a teacher and a mentor.

She is the creator of Badass Up, which focuses on helping people thrive in their lives with an emphasis on empowering women to speak up, step up, and live authentically. Let her help you leverage your hard-earned wisdom and support you as you badass up into your next chapter.