How to find your joy in the year ahead? Six Canadians offer their tips, and we are here to present it to you. This series is designed not only to inspire but to remind us all that despite the adversities we face, there is always room for joy.

Why a Series on Joy?

In the face of the challenging times we are living through, it may seem counterintuitive to focus on joy. With the constant barrage of news headlines highlighting the difficulties faced in Canada and worldwide, the concept of joy may seem distant. Yet, it is during these times that the exploration and cultivation of joy become even more critical.

The Importance of Joy in Difficult Times

Life is a complex tapestry of experiences, and while challenges are a part of it, so too are happiness, laughter, and play. It is essential to take a pause from the chaos, observe our surroundings, and find the pockets of joy that exist concurrently with our struggles.

Introducing Joy Diaries

Our new series, Joy Diaries, is an endeavour to uncover these pockets of happiness. We have reached out to Canadians from diverse fields such as comedy, cooking, business, and arts, asking them to share their ‘happy place’, their favourite pastime, or their daily dose of bliss.

As beautifully illustrated by Pablo Lobato and narrated by writers Rosemary Counter and Katherine Singh, these joy diaries aim to inspire you to identify and cultivate your joy.

Embracing Joy as Resistance

Model and entrepreneur Lauren Chan succinctly captures the essence of this series by stating, “Joy is part of resistance”. In tough times, finding and embracing joy is not just a coping mechanism, but a form of resistance against the overwhelming negativity.

We Want To Hear From You

Everyone’s experience of joy is unique. What does joy look like for you? Where do you find moments of happiness in your daily life? How do you make time for it? In these trying times, has the pursuit of joy become more critical for you? Share your Joy Diary with us. Your stories might form a part of a future article, inspiring others to find their joy.

Remember, no matter how challenging the times, joy exists, often in the most unexpected places. All we need to do is look for it and embrace it.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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