Reblog: The Search for Joy

Sorry I’ve been quiet, life got in the way.

I enjoyed Ross’ post entitled “The Search for Joy“, it’s been roughly where my head has been, trying to find a meaning. Life can feel real hectic at the moment, where you’re trying to run to stay still. This is especially true as a business owner, as you’re batting away AI driven instructions as you rescue another site from a client’s mitts (seriously, I’d be a lot more open to it if – as a technology – it learned to say “no!”). It can feel overwhelming, and Ross’ summery deserves sharing far and wide:-

“I’m not overreacting; I’m reacting normally to stuff that’s over-happening”

Ross Wintle

I feel very frustrated with things, which seem to be overhappening. The joy I have found? Events. I enjoyed Play Expo a few weeks ago, where I got to meet Dominik Diamond, the host of TV’s Gamesmaster – my favourite TV show of all time.

Who performed a fantastic folk song set about video games. Seriously, his “Why not Dundee?” song was a wonderful ditty about Grand Theft Auto, was stuck in my head for days. He’s touring next year, you should go.

I also saw East is East in the theatre, and this weekend I’m off to the cinema to see Street Fighter.

Ross talked about finding joy again, and I look on the last few months and the times I feel the most joy have been interactions with people, face to face. Be it Mr. Diamond above, or up a mountain with the potential father-in-law, or organising a curry for a few folks (which resulted in me meeting a great new Bluesky follower that a) works in the same industry and b) somebody to talk to about video games), or a car journey with a friend I’ve not seen for the past few months, or going to a football match with my partner’s brother-in-law. Just fun, authentic, things that I’ve valued most in the past few months.

I’ve even taken to occasionally leaving the phone at home for the odd occasion to try and be more present with folks. This has had a 50% success rate (one of the failures was the hospitality of our guests resulted in a bit of a hangover the day after), but the conversation has always been good.

I think that’s what I’ve been craving, in a hectic life, some joy, some ways to connect, and some ways to be present. It’s been something I’ve been manifesting: I’ve been organising a conference for WordPress folks to get face to face time. You should come.

But first, read Ross’ post!