Poem: Joy is Hard

Joy is hard.

Joy requires us to feel safe enough, to be safe enough, to open to vulnerability. To feel joy, you must be brave.

Joy walks into a room after the space has been cleared. Cleared of shame, Cleared of doubt, Cleared of self-recrimination. Joy is hard.

Joy is hard and joy is worth the hard work of preparation. Preparing oneself and setting down all the defenses all the shoulds and could'ves, all the should not haves and might haves.

Joy is worth the work. You are worth the work. You can start small: the simple pleasure of your favorite tea, the grand freedom of a full belly laugh. Invite Joy to be your companion.