“I can’t enjoy my life when people are suffering.”
I wrote that in my journal this morning.
There are so many things that steal my joy.
Sometimes, it’s guilt.Usually, it’s fear.
When things are really good, I pull in the reins by imagining disaster or catastrophizing what could happen.
Brené Brown calls this "foreboding joy."
That reflex to armor up.
To beat pain to the punch.
We think this protects us, but it doesn't.
Intellectually, we know being happy doesn’t trigger disaster. But emotionally, it feels like a safer bet.
So, how do you become a better steward of joy?
I’m not Jewish, but there’s this idea in the Talmud that’s been helping me reframe my capacity for receiving joy:
One day, we’ll be called to account for every good thing we were offered—
and refused to enjoy.
I don’t know if that’s how things will go.But I do know this:
Joy may not feel safe.But refusing to experience it won’t protect me from pain.
Maybe the real danger of joy isn’t feeling it but missing it altogether.
Of all the tragedies I can work up in my mind, that might be the worst of them.
🌿Gentle Nudge:
Watch for—or create—a moment of joy today. Then receive it with a grateful heart.
