Over the weekend, I watched newcomer Leylah Fernandez play her way into her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, toppling champions like Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber along the way. It was a stunning upset for an unknown 18-year-old. Aside from her incredible athleticism, it was a delight to watch because of her infectious joy.
It’s time for us to reclaim joy.
Being joyful and finding pleasure doesn’t mean that there aren’t terrible things in the world. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t circumstances that will break your heart, make you mad or bring you to your knees.
And still–what greater act of revolution could there be than to choose joy?
Joy despite hardship. Joy despite racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, abelism. Joy because we only have a short amount of time on this planet and you get to decide how to spend it. Joy because it’s a much more sustainable energy than anger.
Go forth, friends, and choose joy in your lives.
