Joy As Resistance

Joy as Resistance: How to Build Your Personal Joy Toolkit

Listen, sis—joy is not a luxury. It’s not something we have to earn. It’s not an afterthought. In a world that tries to break us down at every turn, joy is resistance. It is a radical act of self-preservation, a refusal to let systemic oppression steal our spirit. And if you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly bracing for the next hit—this is your reminder: you deserve joy, now.

But here’s the thing—joy doesn’t always just happen. Sometimes, we have to create it, nurture it, and protect it like the sacred thing it is. That’s where a Joy Toolkit comes in. Think of it as your personal arsenal of feel-good, soul-healing, energy-restoring practices that you can reach for whenever the world gets heavy. Because let’s be real—the world stays heavy. But so do we.

Here’s how to build a Joy Toolkit that keeps you whole.

1. Music: The Soundtrack of Your Soul 🎶

You ever notice how the right song can shift your entire mood? That’s not just a vibe—it’s science.

Music has the power to regulate emotions, lower stress, and reconnect us with joy.

What to Add to Your Toolkit:

✅ Your Personal Anthems – The songs that remind you who you are, that lift you up when the world tries to dim your light. (Beyoncé’s "Freedom", Jill Scott’s "Golden", anything by Mary J. Blige? Yes, please.)

✅ Feel-Good Throwbacks – The jams that transport you to a time when life felt simple, safe, and free. Think early 2000s R&B, 90s hip-hop, or whatever makes you want to two-step in the kitchen.

✅ Healing Sounds – Sometimes, we need more than words. Try jazz, neo-soul, gospel, or lo-fi beats for moments of calm.

Try This: Make a playlist called "My Joy Rebellion" and add songs that make you feel powerful, light, and free. Blast it when you need a pick-me-up.

2. Movement: Shake Off the Stress 💃🏾

Sis, stress loves to live in our bodies—tension in the shoulders, knots in the stomach, tightness in the chest. But movement? That’s how we shake that off, literally. You don’t have to be a gym rat or a trained dancer—just move in ways that feel good to you.

What to Add to Your Toolkit:

✅ Dance Breaks – Turn on your playlist, and let your body move however it wants. No structure, no rules, just freedom.

✅ Stretch & Release – A simple stretch in the morning or before bed can help release built-up tension.

✅ Nature Walks – A stroll outside, breathing in fresh air, can do wonders for your nervous system.

✅ Intentional Rest – Sometimes, movement means slowing down. Rest is resistance too. Take naps, lay in the sun, lounge without guilt.

Try This: Start a 5-minute daily movement ritual. Whether it’s stretching, dancing, or walking—just five minutes of intentional movement can reset your energy.

3. Community Rituals: Joy is Collective 👯‍♀️

We were never meant to do this life alone. Oppression isolates us, but joy brings us back together.

Whether it’s deep belly laughs with your best friend or a sacred Sunday call with your favorite auntie, community is where healing happens.

What to Add to Your Toolkit:

✅ Sister Circles – A small group of trusted friends who pour into you as much as you pour into them.

✅ Sunday Rituals – Brunch, phone calls, prayer, book club—something that connects you to others regularly.

✅ Mentorship & Elders – Lean on the wisdom of those who’ve navigated this world before you. Their stories are roadmaps.

✅ Online Spaces – If you don’t have a local circle, join virtual communities that celebrate Black women’s joy and success.

Try This: Set a weekly “joy check-in” with a friend. No venting, no work talk—just sharing what’s making you happy and lifting each other up.

4. Creative Expression: Let Your Spirit Play 🎨✍🏾

When was the last time you let yourself create just for the fun of it? No deadlines, no expectations—just pure, messy joy? Creativity is a powerful way to reclaim our inner child and remind ourselves that we are more than just what we produce.

What to Add to Your Toolkit:

✅ Journaling – Write freely, without judgment. Let your thoughts spill onto the page.

✅ Painting, Drawing, or Crafting – You don’t have to be an artist. Just play with colors and textures.

✅ Cooking for Fun – Make a meal that brings you comfort and nostalgia.

✅ Photography or Collage – Capture beauty in everyday life.

Try This: Start a “joy journal.” Every day, write down one thing that made you smile—even if it’s small.

5. Spiritual Grounding: Connect to Something Bigger ✨

Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in silence with yourself, connecting to something greater than this moment can be a powerful form of peace.

What to Add to Your Toolkit:

✅ Affirmations – Words have power. Speak life over yourself every day.

✅ Gratitude Practice – Write down 3 things you’re grateful for daily. It shifts your focus from struggle to abundance.

✅ Stillness – Set aside time to just be. No distractions, just you and your breath.

✅ Faith & Ancestral Connection – However you connect with spirituality, lean into that for strength.

Try This: Every morning, say an affirmation out loud. Start with: "I am worthy of joy, just as I am."

Final Thoughts: Your Joy is Your Birthright

The world is heavy, sis, but joy is ours to claim. When we prioritize our happiness—when we intentionally create moments of lightness and connection—we are resisting the forces that try to break us.

Start building your Joy Toolkit today. Protect it. Use it. Share it. Because a joyful Black woman? That’s a revolution in itself.

Bonus Resource:

For more on the power of joy, check out "Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto" by Tricia Hersey. It’s a must-read for any Black woman reclaiming her time, rest, and happiness.