The Courage to Choose Joy

My sister-in-law shared her secret to remaining calm in the midst of life’s circumstances. Each morning, she asks herself, Who’s in charge of my joy? And then she responds, I’m in charge of my joy.

It’s a simple question with a profound answer. So much in life is outside my control—uncertainties about the future, an aging body, and the endless cycle of exhausting news. But joy? That’s something I can choose.

And when I need a reminder of that choice, there’s one place that always helps -- Walt Disney World.

Flickr user: Gerard McGovern via Wikimedia Commons

The joy of Disney happens long before I step into the parks. As I exit the Florida Turnpike onto Western Way I notice the standard green highway signs give way to Disney’s signature red and purple. Like magic, the stress, noise, and endless cycle of bad news starts to fade. 

By the time I pass the Welcome to Walt Disney World arch, I feel my spirits lift completely. The heavy baggage of the “real world” is left behind, if only for a little while. I know it will be there waiting for me on the way home, but for now, I choose joy.

The sight of Cinderella Castle fills me with joy no matter how many times I’ve seen it. In that moment, I’m not thinking about the headlines, my to-do list, or the responsibilities waiting back home. I’m simply present. 

As I tour the Magic Kingdom, I begin to embrace childlike wonder, perhaps for the first time. I squeal on Big Thunder Mountain, fly above London on Peter Pan’s Flight, and take a turn on the carousel for nostalgic fun. In a world that often feels hard and cynical, reclaiming joy is a small act of defiance.

Epcot offers a more relaxed joy. The Italy pavilion is one my favorite places to slow down and savor the moment. I can sip a glass of Chianti or Limoncello in the square, while watching street performers entertain young and old alike. I admire the gondola poles along the water and reminisce about my trip to Venice. The Italians have long mastered the art of dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. At Epcot, I can embrace this simple joy.

But joy is a courageous choice even at the happiest place on earth. Long lines test my patience. The Florida heat can be relentless. Finding a shady bench feels like winning the lottery. Sometimes Disney can feel anything but magical. But joy isn’t about perfect circumstances—it’s about perspective. As in the real world, I can either allow these frustrations to steal my happiness, or I can take a deep breath and count my blessings.

Image by Sue Rickhuss from Pixabay

I'm prone to anxiety, and while I know worry does not add a single hour to life (Matthew 6:27) -- I continue to fret. However, after a trip to Disney I realize that joy is the perfect antidote.

As I pick up my baggage on the way home, it feels lighter—not because life has changed, but because I have. Choosing joy, even when the world feels heavy, is a quiet act of courage—one that helps me carry the weight a little differently.