Create Joy

There is so much sadness in our world. 

Shootings, anger, hate.

We all have so many questions for which there are no answers.

The more I ponder, the more I realize there is a simple way each of us can make this world better: Create joy.

Crazy, right? Serious times demand serious answers. 

If you really think about it, though, joy is a serious answer.

You can fight darkness with darkness, but do not expect light to arise from it. Instead, create light.

Do what you can. Use what you have. Make things better for one person.

Then two. And three, ten, a hundred, one thousand – and so on, until you can go no further.

Create joy, one person at a time. Start with yourself.

That sounds selfish, doesn't it? Start with yourself? Isn't this life about service to others? It is, but in order to serve others, you must first take care of yourself.

Sleep right, eat right, get to the gym. Get on the pull-up bar. Get on the barbell. Make the ground move fast beneath your feet. Get your body right, your heart right, your head right. Create joy within yourself. And then spread that joy.

When people notice your life is better—that you're happier and more fun and full of more energy—tell them why. Tell them it all started with the pull-up bar, and the barbell, and the clock. Maybe they'll want to try it too.

Create joy. 

And watch the light spread, here, there, everywhere. It's totally sappy and stupid ... and true. Get out there and make joy happen.