Joy in the Time of Doomscrolling

I come to you posing a question today:What does it actually mean to choose joy during times of challenge?

I’ve been sitting with this for weeks now, feeling stress come in waves, and from everywhere all at once. The constant news cycle feels inescapable, and online there are a lot of people who seem determined to keep us angry, anxious, and reactive about… well, everything.

(Just me? Or are you seeing it too?)

And then there’s the bigger question underneath it all: How can we possibly focus on joy when the world is on fire?!

Here’s what I believe.

Choosing joy during hard times isn’t naïve. It’s audacious. And if you’ve ever laughed in the middle of grief or loss, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

But this isn’t about ignoring reality or laughing off our trauma. If you want to make meaningful change in your own life, and in the world around you, there’s one essential thing you have to do (and it’s not always easy):

You have to take care of yourself first.

That means feeding your joy and creativity and curiosity at regular intervals. When we’re filled up it’s soooooo much easier to face what’s hard. Give yourself permission to step away from endless scrolling, from the constant churn of Fox News or CNN, from trying to decipher what’s AI and what’s real.

(I set phone limits on my social media to 30 minutes a day—no regrets!)

Last year, out of the need to create something fun and joyful on the internet, I created my membership community. I had a deep desire for a creative space where we could soak in joy the way you soak in a warm bath (until your fingers get all pruny). And since I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I created it myself.

I call it The Lemmon Society.

Members might call it their:

• exclusive story vault 🔒

• tarot reader tent ⛺️

• emotional reset button 🚨

• audio encouragement booth 🎧

• writing accountability lounge 🛋️

Here’s how being a member looks like in real life.

Before bed

You log your word count for the day so that other members can celebrate your achievement with you. Or maybe you read a chapter of Bad News Bad Boy to unwind your mind.

Either way, you fall asleep smiling. Your mind isn’t spinning, so you sleep better. And the next morning, when Aunt Suzy posts a political diatribe, you don’t feel the need to engage. That’s a win. 🥇

On your lunch break

You watch a card reading and connect with the message that helps you reframe your relationship with a butthead coworker. That reframe gives you patience, which improves your mood, and in turn could lead to you being promoted. Nicely done. 💵

In the morning

Coffee in hand, you read a few chapters from the book club pick and leave a comment. It’s so fun to been a space where there is no pressure or assignments. Just shared enthusiasm and behind-the-scenes secrets. Well played. 📖

These moments may seem small. But that’s the point.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to change it.

Just start moving toward what makes you happy, one small step at a time. That’s why the events inside the membership roll out all month long. To give you touchpoints. Story notes and book club one week, a letter-writing exercise and pep talk another week. (And the cherry on the top: our Zoom salon Q&A for the Fam tier.)

The point is:

These bits of captured happiness add up.

And then you notice inside of yourself:

• more calm

• more peace

• more joy

• more success

• more kindness

• more love

That’s what I’m really doing inside the Lemmon Society. Yes, yes, book secrets and access to exclusive stories—that won’t go away any time soon.

But I’m also providing a safe, fun, light place to be. Inside, you can feel your joy in full. And you can plug in where your heart’s called that month—maybe not everything, and that’s totally okay. After just a few log-ins, you might even notice how much better you and your nervous system are feeling in general.

Know why? Because joy is contagious. And inside this membership, we’re all carriers. 😉

xo,
Jessica 🍋

PS, If you want to be access more joy, love, support, and fun, you are cordially invited inside. 👉 Join The Lemmon Society here.