When the World Feels Heavy, Make Room for Joy Anyway
Stop waiting to “deserve” joy. You already do.
My cousin and I had a real conversation this week. She’s in a tough financial spot, but still out living, still choosing laughter. Meanwhile, I’ve been sitting with anxiety about the world and the future of the work I do. Nonprofits are quietly losing funding. We’re doing more with less. And the news? A mess.
But here's what I’ve decided: I’m holding on to my joy like it’s a lifeline.
And maybe you should too.
We need joy. Not as a reward for surviving, but as a tool for getting through. It’s a way of saying “I’m still here.” A way to remind your nervous system that you’re more than your stress.
If you’re waiting for everything to be aligned before you let in a little light, you’re going to miss your life.
So I’m lighting candles, going to dinner, making playlists, planning trips. Not because I’ve solved everything, but because I refuse to let struggle have the final word. Because my joy matters. And yours does too.
Let’s stop waiting for permission to enjoy things.
You’re allowed to feel peace in the chaos.
You’re allowed to feel joy. Right now. Go.
If this hit home, you’d probably love Self-Help-ish—my wellness book for people who side-eye toxic positivity but still want to feel better. Think of it as a soft reset for real life, not an unrealistic reboot.
Thanks for reading. And if you forward this to a friend who needs it? That’s a joy spark, too.