Stubbornness of Gladness

“Nature, like man, sometimes weeps from gladness.” – Benjamin Disraeli

“We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world.” – Jack Gibert

Gladness, hope, joy, delight, awe, gratitude, optimism, wonder, beauty.
Not a side dish.
Not for someday when.
Not something we wait for, but pursue rigorously.
Not achieved in perfect circumstances.
Daily practices.
A decision to make again and again.
In our control.
Rigorous and gritty.
Intentional and powerful.
Serving to remind us that no matter where we are or what is going on, there is music in us.
That life resides in each day.
In connection, in small things, in the ordinary.
And in our stubbornness to find the good and true.
Choosing love over fear.

“Why do so many …settle for so little? I don’t understand why they’re not greedy for what’s inside them”― Jack Gilbert