There is a time to sit with sorrow. To hold its hand and listen to it as it spills over and soaks you in sadness. Sorrow should not be ignored or shoved out. It has a place of honour in your experience and is worthy of your respect. 

But it is not worthy of your indulgence. 

Indulge sorrow and it will become spoiled. It will become petulant and demand your constant attention. It will climb into your bed and cling to you, and little by little you will come to find comfort only in its clinging. 

You were created for joy. Not pastel-coloured, sunshine and rainbows, lolly shop joy. But the deep-rooted joy that comes with living a life of meaning and sharing it with others. Joy that gives space to sorrow and frustration. Joy that holds both the grief and wonder of being human.

This joy is a journey, not a moment to be caught in a polaroid. This joy is hard-earned and hungry. 

Joy will never be spoiled by the same indulgence that corrupts sorrow. Rather, joy will flourish when fed with simple pleasures and the seeking out of beauty, with habitual gratitude, fresh air, and practices that honour your mind, soul and body. 

Don’t be afraid to let this joy grow in your life.