Monday, July 13, 2020 - Being Joyful in Hard Times

I’m thinking about hard topics today. I’m trying to write more lyrics, and this usually gets me into a pretty contemplative mood. I’m thinking about how to maintain joy when things are so tough all around us. I honestly don’t know how things will be after the virus is over. Heck, I don’t even know if I or many of my friends and family will make it through. I know that seems kind of dour, but I think it’s okay to ask big questions during this time. If you’ve read any of my past writing about joy you’ll know that I have many ways to deal with hard times in my own life: I find little routines and details that remind me of the beauty of life; I dive into my music which nourishes me in magical ways; I try to look at the big picture of life and love from 40,000 feet above the earth. Joy is a thing that is often manufactured by ourselves out of a realization of what life truly is and what an amazing thing our existence is in the universe. We are made up of elements from the explosion of stars and galaxies, and we are infinitely tied to the workings of the universe in ways we cannot understand. Our choice each day is to live in light of the magnificence of the universe and our shared existence on this planet or to get wrapped up in the struggles we all face until we are hopeless. Every day and every moment we choose.  

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What have I been up to? 

I did several outdoor gigs for my seniors last week, although one was rescheduled due to the 100+ degree heat we’ve been having.  

My Facebook concert on Sunday went very well with some beautiful songs and requests. I’m always amazed at how requests fall together with what other people really like. We really are on the same wavelength so much more than we know.  

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What am I up to this week? 

I have several senior facilities to play for outdoors early in the week. Hopefully the weather will be good for all of them.  

Thursday 7-8:15 mountain time I’m doing a Facebook Live concert with a theme either of James Taylor or John Denver songs. You can help me choose what you’d prefer. I have one vote for James and two votes for John at the time of this writing. Just reply with your choice. I’ll do it on Facebook at facebook.com/tom.munch and on my website at tommunch.com/photos-videos, and I’ll post which one I’m doing in the next day or so after I have enough votes. 

Saturday is my niece Piper’s wedding online. We had hoped to have a big family reunion in the mountains for this, but the virus is making this be a mostly-online affair except for the immediate wedding party. I recorded a couple songs for them to play at the ceremony, and we’ll all Zoom in to participate.  

Sunday 7-8:15 mountain time is my weekly Facebook Live concert. I look forward to these so much, and you can join in with requests and comments on Facebook at facebook.com/tom.munch. I also broadcast on my website for those who don’t care to join Facebook at tommunch.com/photos-videos. Please come and join in! 

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That’s it for this week. This time is really wearing me down, and I know many of you feel the same. Being safe, patient, and loving seem to be the best way through. Maintaining joy with a good perspective is the key.  

Best always, 

Tom 

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Details this week: 

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert of James Taylor or John Denver songs - your choice! 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos 
When:  Thursday, July 16, 7-8:15 pm mountain time 

Who:  Tom Munch 
What:  playing and singing a Facebook Live Concert from my home 
Where:  facebook.com/tom.munch and tommunch.com/photos-videos 
When:  Sunday, July 19, 7-8:15 pm mountain time

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