By Nicki Vogel and Chris Alvarez

“Every Brilliant Thing” is a play that tells the story of a young child who begins creating a list of “every brilliant thing” in the world to cope with their mother’s struggles with severe depression and attempted suicide; as the child grows, the list becomes a lifeline, helping them navigate the challenges of living with a mentally ill parent, and ultimately serves as a celebration of life’s small joys despite the darkness faced.

Nicki: The list serves as a powerful coping mechanism for the child, helping them navigate the emotional turmoil of their mother’s illness.

Chris: By focusing on the “brilliant things” in the world, the child cultivates a sense of joy and appreciation for life, even amidst the darkness.

Nicki: The play ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and connection.

Chris: “Every Brilliant Thing” is a poignant and moving exploration of mental illness, family dynamics, and the search for meaning and happiness in the face of adversity. This play has inspired me as a leader of the Project Well-Being to start a list of Brilliant Little Things to the group. We have maintained this tradition for five years. Creating the list of “Brilliant Little Things” together as a group has been a very powerful and uplifting experience. It’s a fantastic way to cultivate a positive atmosphere, foster connection among members, and encourage everyone to appreciate the small joys in life.