I recently finished reading Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney, and one quote particularly struck a chord with me: “If you can’t find your way back to happy, navigate to the place you know as less sad.”
For anyone who has endured trauma that pulls them away from happiness, these words resonate deeply. It’s like being suddenly cast into an unfamiliar emotional landscape where the path back to joy seems lost. But while returning to the happiness we once knew may not always be possible, this quote encourages us to set a new goal—to seek a place that feels less heavy, less painful, and ultimately, a different but still valid form of happiness.
I know this is possible because I lived it. When my husband unexpectedly left, I was left confused and in despair. What once brought me joy—cooking, reading, photography, and so much more—suddenly felt empty. It held no meaning or pleasure. I understood that returning to the happiness of a marriage and an intact family was no longer possible, but I was determined to recapture the joy in the things I once loved. I was ready to fight for it.
By pushing myself to do the things I once loved I was holding onto the hope that the joy and passion for them would return. It took months—and in some cases, years—but that joy has come back. Just last night, I was cooking in my kitchen with songs that I love playing in the background. I found myself singing and dancing along with the tunes, fully present and in the moment. The joy in my life today is renewed, although, different from before, and that’s okay because I’m truly happy on this new path.
I truly believe that if you’re facing a similar pain, joy can return to your life. It’s possible—I am living proof. You have the strength to overcome this too. It’s a battle worth fighting, and you absolutely can win.
God Bless You On Your Journey!
KathieyV