Like millions around the world, I found myself enthralled with the crew and the mission of Artemis II. The crew's enthusiasm was infectious and watching what true leadership looks like unfolding in real time was a true breath of fresh air!
We've become so used to seeing dysfunction - bickering, blame-shifting, negativity and downright hatefulness - in our leadership that seeing an organization run effectively, efficiently and with genuine affection and appreciation for each other was a reality check that we all needed to see. Real leadership does still exist. And collaboration, not power grabbing, is a legitimate way to achieve lofty goals.
How inspiring is that?
The term "moon joy" was coined during the moon flyby to express the excitement exhibited by both the astronauts themselves and the scientists at NASA who were hearing the firsthand descriptions in realtime.
In fact, one of the most notable characteristics of the Artemis II team was their collective joy! And that is no fluke.
During his post-trip interview, Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen spoke about the team's joint effort to stay on the "joy train". As he explained it, they weren't always on that train, but they had made a commitment to each other that they would always strive to get back on it as soon as possible.
This team of astronauts intentionally prioritized JOY!
Photo courtesy of Nasa’s Artemis II crew member
On this Earth Day, I suggest that we embrace Earth Joy!
Let's be enthralled with the miracle of life as a new seedling unfolds. Let's be eternally excited by sunrises and the phases of the moon. Let's look with childlike wonder at a field of wildflowers. Let's dance with the butterflies and laugh with the birds.
Let's continuously be overwhelmed by the diversity and the wonders that Mother Earth provides her inhabitants. And let's be joyous in our efforts to protect and preserve her!
There is so much wrong in this world and we have a lot of work to do to protect this part of our Earth that we call home. But we can reach big goals if we work collaboratively and compassionately. And let’s be intentional about choosing JOY!
Happy Earth Day!
Image credit: courtesy of NASA’s Artemis II crew member