IS It Selfish to Feel Joy In the Midst of Pain?
Is it selfish to feel joy when the world feels so heavy?
In a world filled with pain - wars, division, and natural disasters - embracing joy can feel almost wrong.
As if happiness somehow dishonors the world’s suffering.
But what if joy isn’t something to wait for until life eases up?
What if it’s a tool that helps lead us through the storm?
Here’s the thing: Joy isn’t about denial or escape.
True joy is resilient; it coexists with hardship. It reminds us that even in darkness, light is within reach. Joy doesn’t erase difficulty—it holds space for it, offering us balance, strength, and a fresh perspective just when we need it the most.
When the world’s weight feels crushing, joy whispers,
“Remember what is good, remember what is beautiful.”
It invites us to pause, breathe, and savor the small, soft moments—a warm cup of coffee, a friend’s comforting voice, a sunrise painting the sky.
These may seem small, but they’re far from trivial.
They’re fuel for the soul, reminders that life, even in its hardship, is more than just struggle.
And that’s important.
Because when we disconnect from joy, darkness thrives. Struggles feel heavier, fears seem insurmountable, and hope drifts further away.
But joy—even the smallest spark—shifts our energy.
Our vision expands, we rise above fear, and we reconnect with possibility.
This is the power of joy.
With joy, we embrace life in full—not by ignoring reality, but by seeing its wholeness, one that includes hope and resilience. And when we lead with joy, we give others permission to do the same. We become beacons, not by denying the world’s pain, but by embracing life’s complexity.
Choosing joy is an act of quiet rebellion—a way to reclaim our inner power and be open to all that lies ahead.
So don’t wait for joy to arrive after the storm.
Come and meet it now.
Let joy be the fuel that sustains you, the compass that guides you, and the reminder that even in the hardest times, life has room for softness, beauty, and light.
