The Radical Act Of Having Fun

Do you ever feel a weird sense of guilt when you’re actually having a good time? Like, you’re laughing at a movie or enjoying a great meal, and then a little voice in your head says, 'How can you be happy when X, Y, and Z are happening in the world?' It’s a common feeling for our generation. We’re so hyper-aware of global suffering that we feel like enjoying our own lives is somehow a betrayal of those who are struggling. But I’m here to tell you that being miserable doesn't help the miserable.

Joy is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bridge that gets you through the darkest parts of your life. If you don't allow yourself to experience happiness, you will eventually run out of the will to keep going. Think of joy as your battery. Every time you do something just because it makes you happy—no productivity, no 'hustle,' just pure fun—you are recharging your soul. You are building up the reserves you need to face the difficult stuff when it inevitably comes back around.

In an increasingly polarized and heavy world, choosing to be happy is actually a form of resistance. It is a way of saying that you will not let the chaos of the world dictate your internal state. It is a way of reclaiming your humanity. When you find joy in small things, you are proving that there is still something worth living for. That is a powerful message, both for yourself and for the people around you. Your light might be the only thing that helps someone else find their way out of the dark.

So, go do the 'stupid' thing. Buy the Lego set, go to the concert, dance in your kitchen, or spend three hours playing a video game. Stop apologizing for being okay. You are allowed to take up space and enjoy your existence. In fact, the world needs more people who are well-rested and happy. It makes you a better friend, a better partner, and a more effective person. Joy is the ultimate self-care. Don't let anyone, including yourself, talk you out of it.