The Little Joys That Hold Us Together

In a world that often feels like a relentless storm, where the waves of expectations crash against the shores of my sanity, I find myself struggling with a question that echoes in the corridors of my mind: Is mental health real? For many, the answer is a resounding yes, but the journey to understanding and maintaining it can feel like wandering in a desert, with the hope of food and water just out of reach. 

My name is Ewaoluwakisha, and my life is a mix of happy and difficult experiences of joy and struggle. Like many, I dance on that thin line between happiness and despair, my mental health a constant companion—sometimes supportive, sometimes a heavy weight. As dawn breaks and I place my feet on the ground, ready to start a new day, I contemplate the chaos swirling around me. The demands of school, the pursuit of purpose, the need to establish profound relationships, and my own self-expectation loom large. I wonder how to keep my mental health in check when it often feels like an elusive dream.

“Do I keep it in check?” I muse, staring out at the busy world bustling by. “Does it sometimes refuse to be in check?” The questions fall through my mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind, but one thing is clear: my mental health stability is paramount. It is a treasure I must protect fiercely.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, I discover that joy often hides in the smallest of places. It’s not always found in grand achievements or monumental moments; sometimes, it’s nestled in the tiniest things we least expect. 

I remember a day when all I needed was a chilled “Dudu” drink on a sweltering afternoon. The sensation of ice-cold refreshment sliding down my throat was a small victory against the heat of anxiety.

Then there are the words from my mother that resonate deep within my heart: “My baby girl, you are just sweet.” Those simple affirmations wrap around me like a warm embrace, reminding me that love can be found in the most unexpected comments.

And my friends—their laughter ringing through the air, the heart-to-heart talks that stretch into the night, and those moments spent worshipping together, where time seems to stand still. Each shared joke and heartfelt conversation becomes a thread in the fabric of my joy, stitching together moments that remind me how delightful life can be.

I realize that keeping stable and joyful lies in embracing these little pleasures, those fleeting moments we often overlook. So, how do I find my “pleasure pill”? (That’s what I call my ways of getting happy and stable at all times.) By allowing myself to revel in simplicity. When exhaustion threatens to pull me under, I give myself permission to rest. Sleep becomes my sanctuary, my stronghold: a refuge where dreams weave their magic and replenish my spirit.

As I navigate this journey, I learn that mental health is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the small things that make life beautiful. In the end, it is these little joys—like chilled drinks on hot days and sweet words from loved ones—that illuminate my path and keep my faith, hope, body, and soul alive in my heart.

Featured Image by Alexa from Pixabay