What is Free Happiness in 2025?
I think I know. But I need your help.
Writing a newsletter titled Free Happiness was inspired by my way of cheering myself up during the pandemic. I started out by sharing funny videos like Zendaya as Meechee, Harrison Ford singing Sugar Ray, Amy Poehler as awards show prankster, and my favorite Real Housewives clip. I thought of them as quick serotonin boosts to brighten your day.
And then along the way I surprised myself by writing more personal reflections about how I find the light in the dark. I’ve shared my thoughts on how I seek happiness in music and in gratitude, and how to pay kindness forward.
After the terribly bleak January we had, the idea of writing a newsletter called Free Happiness felt silly and useless (basically, this: 🙃). But then I thought about it some more, and I remembered that the times when I was at my lowest, a moment of laughter or something that made me smile made a big difference for me.
And I thought it worth asking, what you would prefer to see when this newsletter arrives in your inbox?
If you could take this poll — especially if this newsletter ever provided even the *briefest* kind of spark — I’d appreciate it. And as a thank you, below the poll you’ll find something that unexpectedly lifted my spirits.
Yes, it’s 18,000 people singing Toto’s “Africa.” And yes, that might seem cheesy. But:
This is not a mere singalong of strangers — they actually perform the song’s three-part harmonies. Everyone is having a ball, and it seems like a lot of fun!1
I went to a concert last week, and I had my own opportunity to sing along to my favorite songs with a bunch of strangers. Music can be so powerful in a communal context. And the surge of euphoria I experienced reminded me what inspired me to start this newsletter in the first place.
So maybe this winter, try to see a show, go out for karaoke or just blast some music and sing along with friends. It’s nice to be surrounded by collective joy.
And finally, here is an actual bright spot of 2025 for me:
I’m happy and proud of this milestone, and my Instagram post includes the most important lessons I’ve learned so far as an author.
But if you’re wondering how to keep going right now, especially if you’re in a creative field, you must read this incredible piece from
. I feel changed by reading it, and I think you will be too.
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you! And wishing you a good week.
My books | My Instagram | My other newsletter, Ministry of Pop Culture
This video is from Pub Choir, “an improvised, comedy music lesson” that teaches the “crowd of tipsy strangers” how to perform a song together in three-part harmonies. It’s like arena-sized group karaoke, but with live instruments. Pub Choir is based in Australia but seem to be coming stateside sometime this year.