What brings me joy?

Many things make me happy, but my joy comes from making my friends smile.

Whether it’s a joke I told, a small gift of candy, a flower after an impressive performance, or simple reassurances, seeing them grin makes everything worth it.

All of my friends have their struggles. We all have shadows that block out the sun.

Seeing that I made them happy for even a second fills me with joy. They do so much for me with their friendship. I’ve struggled with social anxiety and awkwardness for years. Seeing that they love and accept me for who I am, flaws and all, makes me feel like I belong. They make me so happy. Seeing that I can do the same for them fills my heart.

Sometimes, the world can be a dark place, and it’s easy to get lost in the darkness. My friends are torches that light the way, pushing back emptiness as we make our journey through life. It doesn’t matter if I’m a small twinkling star or a bright beam of sunlight. If I can illuminate their world for a second, make them smile or laugh, I’ll be smiling too.

Wherever I go, whoever I’m with, as long as I can light up their day for a minute, I will be perfectly happy.