Hi there, my gorgeous readers!

Our New Yorker of the Week today is Chelsea. She’s 38, lives in Brooklyn, and is looking for friendship and love. To contact her, email [email protected].

Know someone (including yourself!) who should be featured? Forward them this form. Or put it in a group chat where people keep talking about being single!

Now, onto the fun things:

How would someone who loves you describe you?

I asked a former partner who happens to still be a close friend. At the risk of it sounding too earnest, I'm posting his message in entirety because the truth is I am looking for a fellow bright shiny person to build a life with. This doesn't mean that I have it all figured out, of course, or expect you to have. But I have faced a lot of challenges in my life head on, done a ton of shadow work, and am looking for someone who's done (and is doing) the same and has integrated all, or at least most, parts of themselves. I'm not for everyone, and that's okay! I'm really just looking for one person who can meet me where I'm at, and I hope to do the same.

From Leo: Chelsea’s vibe: a comet ☄️ , streaking through the sky, burning brightly, everyone turning to see what caused that sudden presence of light and power in the atmosphere.

Put simply, Chelsea is a force of nature! She burns with a rare fire that is exciting and inspiring. Powerful, embodied, tender and loving with a heart of gold, emotionally mature, wise, and propelled by purpose, she’s also massively fun (think: the ex-theatre-kid extrovert who’s going to make sure everyone feels at home and has a good time). She loves deeply, and whoever gets to be with her is a very lucky person.

One thing about Chelsea that always strikes me is how when she’s with you, you really feel it. She’ll look at you with her bright eyes and engage completely, whether you’re an old friend, a lover, or if she’s meeting you for the first time. She is driven to care for and change the world, and puts her blood sweat and tears into it. Community is also central to her life, and you can often find her doing something to actively cultivate community and support the people around her.

Someone who appreciates directness and enjoys engaging in spirited discourse would be a good fit for Chelsea. Archetypally I think she has a bit of a frontier-woman energy! Full of fire, verve, groundedness, and resourcefulness. This archetype also means she happens to be a great partner for our apocalyptic times ;)

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

Potlucks, long conversations about spirituality and social change, walks around Prospect Park are all simple pleasures I enjoy with my friends. Yoga, pilates, hikes from time to time (would love to hike more!). Tarot, astrology, the Enneagram, funny memes all make frequent appearances too.

What's something that people might not guess about you?

I never went to college! Instead, I toured nationally and internationally with a nonprofit performing arts troupe. It was a very formative experience for me and I'm grateful for the training and education that not many people have the opportunity to have.

Are you looking for love?

I'm looking for a partner who's kind, stable, integrated in mind/body/heart, and is looking to build a family (if you already have kids, that's awesome, but please be open to more). Ideally, they are a spiritual seeker/practitioner of some kind and have a desire, and praxis, to make a difference in the world. I have mostly dated men, and see myself partnering with one, but have dated and am open to other gender expressions as well.

Other things that are important and attractive to me: clear communication and deep listening skills, touch and physical affection, keeping a beautiful and cozy home, ambition, creativity, a sense of humor, presence, groundedness, healthy friendships, spending time in nature, quiet time/giving each other alone time.

A radicalized monogamous (or perhaps monogamish) partnership probably makes the most sense for my life. I am inspired by my fellow queers and my polyamorous friends who understand that there are many kinds of love (including platonic) that deserve as much attention and care as our romantic relationships and I hope to have a partnership that embodies that.

If you've read this whole profile and thought, "Fuck yeah!", then message me! :-)

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

If anyone wants to talk about funding for programming and community events about spirituality and social change, please contact me!

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Monday, August 18: Sincere Singles Social - Jewish Edition

This event is a guided event for Jewish singles who crave more meaningful connection in their love lives. Through playful exercises, deep conversations, and intimate skill-building, you'll meet others who care about growth, not games. Come solo or bring a friend—and walk away with new insights, new skills, and maybe even someone to flirt with.

$36. 7-9:30. 113 west 24th st. Info here.

Monday, August 18: Black Girl Magic Circle Sing

We begin with some easy singing games and a check-in to get to know everyone a little better. From there, the evening will follow a series of guided singing games and exercises as the group explores rhythm, movement, melody, and harmony. We practice the art of saying YES to what is happening in the moment - expressing ourselves, listening to our voices and bodies, and making stuff up.

Donation-based. 7 to 9:30 PM. Arts On Site St Marks. Info here.

Tuesday, August 19: The Writing Group; Writers Meetup at the Playhouse Bar

The Writing Group is hosting its weekly meeting at the Playhouse Bar. Writers in all mediums and at all levels of professional development are welcome. Come build community in this solitary craft. First hour is a happy hour, then we dive into two hours where volunteers take the stage and mic for short, five-minute readings, with each used as a launching point to discuss the craft and provide critical and constructive feedback with an eye to help everyone develop. Then, the night isn't over- stay for after-event drinks, after-hours bar hopping, or stick around the Playhouse for its 10:30p drag show.

We don't dig ad copy, journal entries, memes, musings, idea pitches, works where performance is more critical than the writing, or other errata. And nothing AI, if that needs saying. Bring your literary ambition, your exacting eye for quality, and your camaraderie.

Free. 6 to 10 PM. Playhouse Bar. Info here.

Wednesday, August 20: StoryTell: Bravery

Join StoryTell for an evening of connection through conversation and personal storytelling. We'll explore our perspectives, curiosities, and personal stories on the theme of "Bravery". You'll leave with a new friend, a new perspective, and deeper understanding of yourself and the human condition.

$15-25, 6:30-9pm, Red Rover (Greenpoint). Info here.

Thursday, August 21: Inner Child Art Nyte

Craving some creativity and connection? Join us for Inner Child Art Nyte - an evening of guided art-making, mindful play, and pure joy - all designed to help you reconnect with your most vibrant self. Think summer camp for adults: we'll provide all the art supplies and vibes, and you show up ready to play. No experience needed - just bring your curiosity and leave refreshed! Code JOYLIST for $5 off.

$30, 7-9 PM, 199 Cook Street. Info here.

Friday, August 22: Friday Night Forum: The Debate on Law and Order

An Unmuted Friday Night Forum. How do we weigh the needs for public safety with the risks of over-policing? A 40+ forum event with programming including small groups and all audience participation. Come to meet thoughtful people who are tired of yelling and hungry to think.

$45 solo, $35 each if you refer a friend! 6-9PM. 12-16 Vestry Ave. Info here.

Friday, August 22: The Player’s Party

​​NYC Backgammon Club and Pro Shop, a super chic tennis retail concept are teaming up to bring you THE PLAYER PARTY - a one-of-a-kind Tennis & Backgammon soiree to kick off the US Open.

​Join us on Friday, August 22nd, at the stunning Skylark Rooftop. Get ready for an evening of rooftop vibes, cool libations, and some friendly (but fierce!) competition.

$20. 7 to 11:30 PM. The Skylark Bar. Info here.

Keep Choosing Goodness - Forreal this Time (Donate to Kickstarter!)

Forreal this Time is a documentary about community, healing and love in unlikely places. The story follows an underground hip-hop collective in NYC made up of nurturing, resourceful, and joy-filled black and brown men. With all grassroots projects, this is all funded by us, for us. Giving towards this project will compensate everyone involved and will also provide future film and music collaborations, distribution and more opportunities across creative industries.

Advertise in The Joy List

Want to reach a bunch of New Yorkers who are sweet, intentional, and love community? Advertise in The Joy List! We’re a great fit for:

• Therapists and healers

• Retreat hosts

• Membership-based communities

Learn more and place your ad here. You get discounts for the more spots you purchase!

That's it for this edition.

Jillian

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