“For me, leading with positivity and seeking out joy comes from an understanding that it is certain there will be bad times, and so I must seek out the good times.” – Lily Newton
At Proof Positive, we believe intentionally creating and embracing moments of joy is a skill that can be learned and practiced. No one embodies this spirit better than our friend, Lily Newton. Lily is a content creator, Autistic advocate, and co-host of the Easterseals podcast Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong. We had the chance to talk with Lily about her experiences of Autistic joy – which she defines as a deep sense of peace and excitement that is as unique as every Autistic person. In our conversation, Lily talks about:
- How she finds joy in her daily life, from rewatching her favorite movies (hello, Twilight on a rainy fall day!) to dancing with music blaring through the house or getting together with her community of neurodivergent women. These activities are more than hobbies; they are her tools for embracing joy and connecting with her playful self.
- How experiences of Autistic joy contribute to Lily’s overall wellbeing, especially on the inevitable bad days.
- The importance of creating safe spaces for Autistic joy, especially for those who often feel their joy is misunderstood or invalidated.
Lily’s reflections remind us that Autistic joy is more than just a fleeting feeling – it’s an example of how joy (and other positive emotions) can help us build resilience, connect with others, and enhance our wellbeing.
