Category: Joy

  • The Paralympics 2024

    I paid close attention to the Paralympics 2024, turning onto the livestream when I could, and honestly, I’m in awe. Every time I tuned into these games, I was reminded just how extraordinary the human spirit can be. It’s more than just a sporting event—it’s a masterclass in perseverance, talent, and grit.

    The athletes are absolutely phenomenal. The way they push their limits in every event is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it was a sprinter zooming past the finish line, a swimmer slicing through the water, or a powerlifter hoisting unbelievable weights—every single performance left me speechless.

    Of course, the winners deserve huge applause. Their accomplishments on the global stage are remarkable, and the way they shattered records and reached new heights is inspiring for all of us. But honestly, what moves me the most isn’t just the medal tally. It’s the journey every athlete has taken to get there. Some of these stories make you stop and think about how much we take for granted, and how much is possible when you refuse to give up.

    The Paralympics isn’t just about winning—it’s about courage. Watching these athletes compete makes you realize that life’s challenges can be met head-on, no matter how tough. Every single participant has pushed through their own struggles, and for many, just getting to the games was a victory in itself.

    These athletes have redefined what it means to be strong, to persist, and to achieve. They’ve shown the world that true greatness isn’t just about physical ability but about heart, passion, and determination. I’m beyond grateful for their example—and I can’t wait to carry some of that spirit into my own life.

  • The Lost Art of Letter Writing

    In our fast-paced digital world, the art of letter writing has largely fallen by the wayside. We fire off texts and emails without a second thought, but when was the last time you sat down with pen and paper to compose a heartfelt letter to a loved one?

    There’s something uniquely special about handwritten letters. The feel of quality stationery, the flow of ink across the page, carefully choosing each word – it’s a sensory and emotional experience that digital communication can’t replicate. A physical letter is a tangible artifact, something to be treasured and revisited over the years.

    Letter writing also forces us to slow down and be more thoughtful in our communication. There’s no backspace key when writing by hand. We have to consider our words more carefully, resulting in more meaningful exchanges. And that occasional error that you do run into has to be scribbled off, creating highlights on the letter.

    I recently happened to watch a play about writing letters between two friends, and it has really lit a light inside me. So I’ve recently started writing letters again, sending them to far-flung friends and family members. The responses I’ve received, though not in letter form, have been touching. Many have commented on how special it felt to receive a “real” letter in the mail amidst the usual bills and junk.

    In our hyperconnected era, there’s something wonderfully intimate and almost radical about communicating through handwritten letters.