There is a beautiful, quiet truth tucked inside Desmond Tutu's words that often escapes us when we are trying to stay strong. We often mistake happiness for a shield, believing that if we can just find enough joy, we might build a wall high enough to keep out the sadness and the struggles of life. But true joy isn't a fortress. It is more like an open window. It doesn't stop the rain from falling, but it allows us to feel the breeze and see the light. When we open ourselves up to more joy, we aren't making ourselves more vulnerable to pain; we are simply making our hearts large enough to hold the full spectrum of being human.

In our everyday lives, this shows up in the way we experience our emotions. When we are deeply connected to the beauty around us, our sensitivity increases. We might find ourselves moved to tears by a beautiful sunset or a kind word from a stranger, just as we might weep more deeply when we face a loss. It is as if the volume of our entire emotional life has been turned up. While that can feel a bit overwhelming at times, it is also where the magic lives. The same sensitivity that allows us to feel the sting of heartbreak is exactly what allows us to feel the breathtaking warmth of a genuine laugh shared with a friend.

I remember a time when I was feeling particularly heavy-hearted, trying so hard to stay numb so that nothing could hurt me. I thought that by staying small and quiet, I could avoid the unexpected storms. But then, I started noticing the tiny, bright moments again—the way the sunlight hit the pond in the morning or the silly way a friend would greet me. As these small joys returned, I realized my heart was softening. I found myself crying more easily during sad movies, but I also found myself bursting into laughter at things I used to overlook. I wasn't weaker; I was more alive.

It is okay to let your guard down and invite more light into your world, even if it means your eyes might get a little misty sometimes. Embracing joy is an act of courage. It is a decision to participate in the beautiful, messy, and wonderful dance of life. So, today, I want to encourage you to look for those small, sparkling moments of happiness. Don't be afraid of the sensitivity that comes with them. Let yourself feel it all, because the more you allow yourself to laugh, the more prepared you are to find the strength to smile through the tears.