Let There be Joy

Why is it that young children seem to have joy as their default setting? They forgive easily, move on quickly, and rarely hold grudges. Their focus stays rooted in play, exploration, and connecting with others.

As adults, we tend to burden ourselves with worries, many of which are outside our control. We get stuck in cycles of overthinking and cannot seem to break free. Joy starts to feel like something that only belongs to childhood.

If you observe any 5-year-old child, you will notice that they embody joy. They delight in the smallest things - blowing bubbles, playing with sand, making up silly songs. They rarely get upset for long, even if they fall and scrape their knee. Their laughter is infectious. Being around a child can snap you out of your worries and stresses. They remind us of a kind of unbridled joy that gets harder to access as we grow older.

With so much negativity around us, we may even feel guilty for wanting to experience happiness. We convince ourselves it would be wrong or indifferent to indulge in joy amidst suffering.

But the truth is, accessing our innate joy is a birthright. Just as children intuitively seek out play and laughter, we all crave deep down to feel lightness and bliss.

Rather than admonishing ourselves, what if we gave ourselves permission to feel joy? What if we made space for childlike wonder, even as mature adults?

This doesn't mean laughing at the misfortune of others or being indifferent to suffering. We can remain compassionate and aim to spread more joy to those who need it.

But in our own lives, we can make a conscious choice to override our inner critic. To release worry and anxiety when possible. To tap into everyday moments that spark positivity.

By reconnecting with our childlike essence, we can experience life more fully. We can nurture our innate lightness and fulfil our deep longing for joy.

Let's reclaim that right today. For ourselves and for those around us.

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The Thirties' Reboot - Life Lessons to Live Fully in Your Thirties and Beyond, is now available.

If you're looking for a book that combines relatable life lessons with actionable advice, this is it. Abhinav Bhalla doesn't just talk about the challenges of the thirties—he helps you take them head on, with clarity and purpose. A practical and inspiring read!

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