When the state of the world feels chaotic and overwhelming, talking about joy can feel... frivolous — maybe even inappropriate or impossible.
But in times of crisis, joy can be an act of resistance. A way to keep going. A way to remind yourself why you care in the first place.
So if you're feeling rage, fear, anger, frustration, or sadness right now (all absolutely valid reactions!) remember to balance that out with small moments of joy when you can.
Because joy fuels and energizes us.
Joy allows for sustained effort.
Joy gives us a break.
Joy helps us connect with others.
Joy creates balance within us.
And as our incredible Mental Health Advocate, Eric Dorsa, says, joy doesn't deny sorrow, fear, or anger, it joins them.
Here are a few ways to find pockets of joy:
➡️ Go outside, soak in the sun, breathe in and out, and take a moment to be present.
➡️ If it's available to you, go for a color walk! Choose one color to focus on, and find things along your walk that are that color.
➡️ Read, watch, or listen to something that makes you laugh. Even better, share it with a friend!
➡️ Listen to your favorite music or find some new music, get creative and see if a new genre sparks your interest.
➡️ Volunteer for a cause that you're passionate about.
➡️ If you muuuust doom scroll (we don't recommend it, but we get it!), find a few fun accounts to follow to balance out your feed. Accounts with cute animals, fun illustrations, comic strips, silly memes...
➡️ As much as you can, lean into your community. Ask for support when you need it, make plans to see your loved ones, find ways to celebrate small wins together.
𝕬𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙
NOW WITH TWO SEATINGS EVERY SaTuRdAy
⭐️ 1PM & 3:30PM
⭐️ MAY 16 hosted by Fonda Koxx and special guest @amandaporq
⭐️Reserve your table at KweenAstoria.com
📍 34-10 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
🤑$30 min food/drink consumption per person
🍊Bottomless specials
Come see why we’ve been voted best drag brunch in NYC because Brunch without drag is just a sad breakfast
NEXT FRIDAY! Our season finale party is a high-octane expression of Latin ICONS with @migguelanggelo and wild array of musicians, dancers and drag queens!
This setlist hits every note, from the soul of Buena Vista Social Club to the dance-floor energy of Juan Luis Guerra and La Lupe.
FRIDAY, MAY 15 | 8 PM
Colden Auditorium, @queenscollegeofficial
JOIN THE PARTY: [link in bio]
kupferbergcenter.org/event/icons
This isn't just a concert, it’s a ONE NIGHT ONLY blowout bash where heritage and performance art collide.
You're new friends for the evening include @jaimelozano@cosmesaul@jmateopr@yahirmontesmusic@nxw_music@flowcuenca@diliamusica@iamscar.lett@groovemnt.fx@fkdrag@pietraparker and more!
#latinmusic #latinculture #latinsinger #livemusic #nycconcerts
This weekend, we’re raising a glass to the icons who raised us (and the ones who raised themselves). Every mother figure gets a rose and a glass of bubbly on arrival… because obviously Mothers should be served!
NOW WITH TWO SEATINGS EVERY SATURDAY
⭐️ 1PM & 3:30PM
⭐️ Hosted by Fonda Koxx + special guests @theebiancastar
⭐️ Reserve your table at KweenAstoria.com or my link in my bio 🎟️
📍 34-10 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
🤑 $30 min food/drink per person
🍊 Bottomless specials flowing
Bring your mom. Be the mom. Adopt a mom for the day. Just don’t miss brunch.
🎟️ BOGO Ticket Specials Available Link in my bio
⭐️Friday May 15th | 8pm
📍 Kupferberg Center
I’m so excited to be returning to the stage with @migguelanggelo and my sister @pietraparker for Migguel Anggenlo’s ICONS: Latin Rhythms.
⭐️This high-energy season finale celebration honors the heartbeat of Latin culture around the world. Bring a friend and celebrate the finale with us—don’t miss this vibrant night of music, rhythm, and community! #latinamericanart #música #lgbtq #carnaval #queensnyc
REINAS this Friday is about to be that night!!
@ddfuego returns fresh from RuPaul’s Drag Race!
@pietraparker is back from her European takeover!
and @freedakulo and @fkdrag are ready to EAT.
This is not just a show… it’s a celebration, a reunion, and a reminder of who runs Friday nights in Hell’s Kitchen.
Pull up, bring your energy, and let’s make it loud!!
This Friday, 10PM - Hush NYC
No cover. Just legends.
𝕬𝖓𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙
NOW WITH TWO SEATINGS EVERY SaTuRdAy
⭐️ 1PM & 3:30PM
⭐️ MAY 2 hosted by Fonda Koxx and special guest @janaesaisquoi_
⭐️Reserve your table at KweenAstoria.com
📍 34-10 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
🤑$30 min food/drink consumption per person
🍊Bottomless specials
#dragbrunch #nyc #astoria #brunch dragqueen
“It has taken me years in recovery to understand that burnout is not a sign that I’m doing something wrong. 🧡
Burnout is part of life. And at times, it can also be part of recovery. 🌿
For a long time, when I felt exhausted, disconnected, or overwhelmed, I assumed it meant I was slipping or failing in some way. What I’ve come to learn instead is that burnout is often a signal that I need compassion, attention, support, and care. 🫶
Recovery also doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We live in a world that can be stressful, uncertain, and sometimes unsafe. There are aspects of burnout that are simply outside of my control. 🌎
Learning to practice rest, gentleness with myself, and intentional self-care has helped me better understand how burnout shows up in my life. It’s also helped me respond to it with far less shame. ✨
Burnout doesn’t mean I’ve lost my recovery. Sometimes it simply means it’s time to slow down and care for myself in different ways.” 🌙
- Mental Health Advocate, Eric Dorsa