We live in a culture shaped by prudish institutions that glorify self-denial and sacrifice. For too long, happiness has been treated as a fleeting privilege, something nice to stumble upon but not something we should actively seek or expect.
But everyday joy should never be an afterthought. Joy and happiness play a vital role in our health and well-being. They are powerful antidotes to stress and burnout which are the very forces that trigger hormone-induced inflammation and, over time, contribute to chronic lifestyle diseases.
Despite what the naysayers claim, seeking joy is not the same as chasing shallow or mindless pleasures. True happiness comes from a more responsible and intentional understanding of what it means to give ourselves permission to live the way we truly want to.
So how does this look in real life? For me, it shows up in the choices I make that could include my finances, my work schedule, and even my garden. Recently, I booked a last-minute trip to Tobago simply because I wanted to, and because it brought joy to someone else, too. Yes, I paid more for airfare. Yes, I had to reshuffle my calendar. But it was absolutely worth it.
That’s what I want to encourage: letting happiness be a valid reason for the decisions you make, no matter what others might say or think. It doesn’t always have to be big or extravagant, you can start small. The point is to normalize doing what you want in life, in ways that align with your own priorities and responsibilities.
Because joy isn’t frivolous. It’s essential to well being.
