Choose Joy Anyway

I had a dream last night that I was in a casino. The people around me were playing blackjack, and “Sign Your Name” by Terence Trent D’Arby was playing, so I began to sing. I began to dance, and other people joined in. When I woke up, I decided this would be the song I’d use for my daily writing.

When I searched for the song on Spotify to add it to my writing playlist, I discovered that in 2001 he changed his name to Sananda Maitreya. Sānanda (सानन्द) means “possessed of happiness,” and Maitreya (मैत्रेय) means “friendly, kind, loving, benevolent.”

That got me thinking about the power of dreams. The name made me think that happiness can be a choice in a world with an abundance of pain, sorrow, and suffering—and that being a kind, friendly, loving person is also a choice. Pain and loss are close, but joy, happiness, and peace are just as close—sometimes only a head turn away. A cup of coffee and a squirmy dog are reminders of what is possible. This doesn’t neglect what is awful; it acknowledges the existence of joy, happiness, and beauty. So, in the midst of pain, suffering, loss, and devastation, remember: joy, peace, and beauty are there as well.

Question for you: What small, everyday thing helps you turn your head toward joy when pain feels near?