Don't Hesitate: If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy - Mary Oliver

Here is a beautiful prose poem by Mary Oliver. Below the poem I share my thoughts. 

Don’t Hesitate
- Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often kind. And much can never be redeemed. Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world. It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.

 



Hope Always Persists

No matter how difficult or challenging the situation may be, hope always persists. Hope is an essential component of the human experience that allows us to keep moving forward and strive for better things, even in the face of adversity. It provides a sense of optimism and possibility, and helps us maintain a positive outlook even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It is a powerful force that can sustain us in tough times and give us the strength to persevere. No matter what obstacles you may be facing, remember that hope lives on and can help you find a way forward.

Joy Enhances Living

Experiencing joy and positive emotions can greatly enhance your life and allow you to live a more fulfilling existence. When you are joyful, you tend to be more optimistic, grateful, and present in the moment, which can lead to deeper connections with others and a greater appreciation for life's experiences. Research has also shown that people who experience positive emotions on a regular basis tend to have better physical and mental health, as well as a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life. By prioritizing joy and cultivating it in your daily life, you can create a more rich and satisfying existence for yourself and those around you.

Embrace Joy


If you are feeling joyful, it is important not to hold back or hesitate to express or enjoy that emotion. Joy is a positive and uplifting feeling that can bring happiness and positivity to yourself and those around you. By embracing and experiencing joy, you can improve your well-being and quality of life. Don't let fear, insecurity, or other external factors stop you from fully experiencing joy and all the benefits it can bring. Instead, embrace it and allow yourself to feel fully happy and content in the moment.

Don't Hesitate to Celebrate

It is important to take time to celebrate and acknowledge your achievements, big or small, as well as the special moments in life. Celebrating can bring joy and positivity into your life and help you to appreciate your successes and the good things that happen to you. Additionally, celebrating with others can strengthen relationships, create shared memories, and build a sense of community.

Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and it is essential to take a moment to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments and milestones, as well as the simple joys in life. Don't let fear, insecurity, or other external factors hold you back from celebrating. Embrace the opportunity to express gratitude, share your joy with others, and create positive memories that will last a lifetime. Celebrate at all times and make the most of every moment.

Don't Hesitate from What is Right - Guru Gobind Singh

This reminds me of Guru Gobind Singh poem Deh Shiva in which he says, "Let me not hesitate from doing whats right."  Similar message: Fight. Don't fear. Don't hesitate. Remember oneness; be kind. 

O Shiva ... give me this boon,

To never shirk from doing right
To never fear when I go to fight
to ever have the confidence to win

Let my heart learn
through ordeals of life
to have the desire
to remember your name
incessantly

And when the time has come
let me die bravely in the battlefield

- Guru Gobind Singh (tr. by Shivpreet Singh)

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