The sound of distant laughter.

Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. Mark Twain

You might be working at your office cube, or walking around your neighborhood or eating in a restaurant, when you hear the unmistakable sound of laughter. The times may be dark, yet the memory of distant laughter can bring a sense of joy, reverse isolation.

This connection to common things — events, emotions, memories — is what allows us to move on against the odds.