Optimistic Nihilism: Seeking Connection and Joyyyyyyyy
The blog title changed from “Seeking Connection, and Fooooooood” to “Seeking Connection and Joyyyyyyyy.” Why? Food is essential (and definitely a big part of connection), but there’s so much more to life. And often, connection and joy come together.
Last night, my brother, his girlfriend, some friends, and I had a Portuguese-themed dinner. We shared stories, laughed a ton, and enjoyed beautiful food. Laughter really is medicine for the soul. I was reminded of the saying, “If there is still laughter, then there is still life.” And last night, we had plenty of both.
Optimistic nihilism gives us a way to balance any worries about meaninglessness. Kurzgesagt’s video on Optimistic Nihilism explains this well: even though our lives feel deeply important, they’re just one part of a much bigger picture. Right now, there are 8,185,160,353 people on Earth, each with their own story, struggles, and joys. It’s a powerful reminder that our lives are meaningful yet just one thread in the giant fabric of humanity.
Realizing this can feel both humbling and freeing. Life is short, which can be scary, but it also means we’re free to live it with purpose, filling our days with connection, curiosity, and joy. We’re all connected—physically, socially, emotionally—which gives us endless ways to shape our lives.
Focusing on connection first brings meaning. I believe meaning comes from connection: with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. From there, everything else falls into place. When we connect with our own feelings and those of others, life feels more real, helping us find what matters most and guiding our actions.
If you’re reading this, I hope you’re having a great day. Here’s a big virtual hug—up to 20 seconds long! Long hugs are good for calming the nervous system, which means more connection and enjoyment. You get the idea. 🙂