In the tapestry of life, threaded with routines and responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of the vibrant colors of joy that are often hidden in the simplest of moments. We're so caught up in the 'should-dos' and 'need-tos' that the 'want-tos'—those things that make our hearts sing—get pushed aside, waiting for a 'someday' that's always on the horizon, yet never quite in reach.
I've harbored a dream for years, one that shimmers with the promise of peace, creativity, and self-discovery—a solo writer's retreat in the idyllic English countryside. Yet, there's always been a reason to postpone. "Can't take time off," "The money could be better spent," or "Is it fair to my husband and son?"—the list of excuses is as long as it is convincing.
But here's the thing: there will always be reasons not to chase our dreams. Life is adept at throwing hurdles on our path, testing our resolve, and asking us how much we're willing to sacrifice for a sliver of happiness. The world, in its infinite chaos and unpredictability, rarely offers us the perfect moment to leap. Waiting for that moment is like waiting for a train at an abandoned station—time passes, but the journey never begins.
It's taken me a long time, and a sea of lost opportunities, to realize that the most valid reason to do anything is simple—it will make you happy. And isn't that what we're all searching for in this frenetic dance of life? Happiness, joy, contentment—whatever you choose to call it, it's the fuel that keeps the flame of our soul burning bright.
This realization hit me like a summer storm, sudden and overwhelming. In this slightly miserable yet beautiful world, embracing every joy, no matter how small or fleeting, is not just important; it's essential. It's a declaration that we are here, we are alive, and we deserve to experience the full spectrum of human emotion, including unbridled joy.
So, to anyone reading this, I say: Don't wait for the perfect moment to live your dream. Make the moment perfect by choosing to live it, now. Whether it's a retreat to the English countryside, a dance in the rain, or a spontaneous road trip to nowhere, let joy be your compass. It's in these moments, these brave acts of self-love and adventure, that we truly find ourselves and the essence of what it means to live fully.
For me, the dream of a writer's retreat is no longer a distant fantasy to be visited 'someday.' It's a plan in motion, a future chapter waiting to be written, a testament to the belief that in the pursuit of happiness, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Let's not wait for life to give us reasons to be happy. Let's create those reasons, craft our own joy, and in doing so, paint our lives with the vibrant hues of fulfillment and purpose.