There’s a space deep inside us, a sanctuary of sorts, where joy and peace reside even amidst the world’s chaos. It’s a reservoir we need to cultivate and maintain, especially when life is good. Why? Because that internal stockpile of joy is our safe haven during life’s inevitable storms. When happiness seems scarce on the outside, you need to have it flowing on the inside. And trust me, if you haven’t built that reservoir up, you’ll be struggling to stay afloat when the hard times roll in.
Growing up in Southside Queens during the heyday of hip-hop, I learned early on that life isn’t always sweet, but there’s always a melody or memory that can take you back to a place of comfort. For me, that song was Michael Jackson’s “Show You the Way to Go.” Every time I hear it, I’m transported back to my pre-teen years when the world seemed full of endless possibilities. It wasn’t just about the music, though—it was about the life and love that surrounded me.
The Neighborhood That Raised Me
I can’t speak about my childhood without giving credit to the loving household I grew up in. My parents poured so much unconditional love into my spirit, and our neighbors—whether they knew it or not—were like extended family members. Not everyone was perfect, but there were enough good-hearted people to make a young boy feel special.
There was a kid in the neighborhood, Michael Lowery, who had a unique way of keeping his yard hedges trimmed. He sculpted them into the shapes of male and female faces—a kind of street-side art before graffiti took over. I would walk past his house on my way to school, and for some reason, that simple act of creativity stayed with me. Maybe it was a sign of how people, in their own small ways, contributed to the beauty of life back then.
Then there was the Clark family, three blocks away. Their home was like an oasis for me. Even though it was only a short walk, those three blocks felt like miles because I couldn’t get there fast enough. It’s funny how something so simple could mean so much, but that’s what childhood memories are made of—the small, seemingly insignificant moments that shape our sense of joy and connection.
A Doggy Bag of Happiness
You see, I believe that our experiences are like a well-prepared meal—some we consume in the moment, and others we save for later. Those joyful memories become a “doggy bag” of sorts. When life gets rough, you can reach back and take a bite of those sweet moments to sustain you. But you have to be aware, because not everyone has that emotional doggy bag of love to reach into. Some people, lacking that abundance, become bitter, and that bitterness can turn into envy.
Beware the Emotional Vampires
Let’s keep it real—some people are like emotional vampires. They position themselves around you to siphon off your goodness because they lack it within themselves. These folks are drawn to your light because they can’t generate their own. You’ve got to cut these entities off before they drain you dry. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t let someone steal your lunch money back in the day, so why let them steal your joy now? It’s the same hustle, just a different playground.
These individuals often come from a background of dysfunction, and while that’s unfortunate, it doesn’t mean you have to allow them to drain what you’ve built up. You’ve been blessed with an emotional reserve, thanks to the love poured into you over the years, and you need to protect that at all costs. Your joy is not for sale.
Gratitude: The Real Currency
I’ve come to realize that no matter how much money or material possessions one acquires, it doesn’t replace the intangibles—the love, kindness, and experiences that shape us. I feel incredibly blessed to have a reservoir of joy so deep that I can still draw from it even as I approach 62 years of age. That’s why I always make it a point to appreciate those who have poured love into my soul. It’s not just about the big things; it’s about the small acts of kindness, the encouraging words, and even the memories of a friend who trimmed his hedges into faces.
When you’ve been blessed with an abundance of joy, it’s your duty to share that with those who may find their own reserves running low. If I see someone struggling, I don’t mind letting them take a bite out of my doggy bag of love. After all, when you have something good, why not share it?
Protecting Your Peace
In a world that seems hell-bent on tearing down everything sacred, it’s crucial to guard your emotional and spiritual well-being. That inner reservoir of joy is what keeps you from sinking below a certain level of happiness, no matter what’s happening around you. The world may be chaotic, but if you’ve built up a sanctuary within, you’ll always have a place to retreat.
Remember, those emotional vampires are real, and they’re hungry for the light you possess. So, recognize them for what they are—casualties of dysfunctional upbringing—and keep them at arm’s length. You can’t afford to let their darkness cloud your light.
The Best is Yet to Come
For those who find themselves struggling to keep their heads above water, let me assure you: it won’t always be like this. If you’re living a righteous life and trying to do right by others, you can trust that better days are ahead. Your doggy bag of joy will never run empty. One day, the pain and emptiness you feel now will be nothing but a memory, and your spirit will overflow with joy once more.
If you need to reach out, you know where to find me. I’m here to share the joy that was so graciously poured into me. After all, isn’t that what we’re supposed to do—support each other until we all reach that blissful plane of existence we know deep down is waiting for us?
