Today began like so many others.
The sun creeped through the blinds,
and I woke up light — cheery, even.
I brewed my coffee, packed my lunch,
and hit the road to work,
music humming, the world still soft around the edges.

People often ask why I’m always so happy.
It’s because I’ve met the darkness —
felt its weight press against my chest —
and somehow, I found my way back to the light.
Joy feels different when you’ve earned it.

The first part of today went so well.
I knocked out a few meetings, chatted with colleagues, and even found a new delicious treat at our coffee bar.

Then, without warning — BAM.
It hit me out of nowhere.
I felt like I had to pick myself up off the floor, like someone was squeezing my heart just for fun.

That’s life, though — memories come in waves, crashing into the shallow end of the shore.
And with them, the pain.

I can stand here in the pain, find comfort in the darkness — or I can shake it off and let it go.
It’s my choice.

But sometimes… the darkness feels familiar.
And there’s a strange comfort in knowing exactly what to expect there.

JMS