Chasing Joy
I’ve lived my life in pursuit of happiness but haven’t found much joy. I’ve had moments of happiness. Yet more moments consumed by the hectic pace of life trying to pursue happiness. Seeking after a so-called dream within a society that never fully considered my humanity, the fullness of my identity. Instead I’m being handed lemons and told to make lemonade. I know folks around me have been able to benefit from the lemonade I’ve made out of life circumstances. The truth of the matter is: I don’t actually like lemonade. And I’ve found myself lacking one simple thing: Joy. I’ve made the best out of what I had but the reality is I still felt like I’m on a hamster wheel circling around, pursuing and shifting to conform. Working twice as hard for less pay. Pushing myself to prove to folks I belong. Going over and above to demonstrate my competence. All the while not realizing the toil compromising my physical and mental well-being. Giving of myself and losing bit...