When your feed is full of celebrations — new jobs, babies, milestones, engagements – it can feel like everyone else is moving forward while you're just trying to stay upright. And even when you're genuinely happy for others, holding their joy can feel heavy when you're in a harder season.

This short reflection reminds you that it's okay to step back. You don't have to force smiles or fake enthusiasm. You're allowed to honor where you are, even if it's not a place of celebration.

Joy will return – but in the meantime, you can protect your peace.

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00:05

Hey, this is It's Okay If, bite-sized permission slips. I'm Maculhuli, and today's permission, it's okay if you can't keep up with everyone else's joy. You know those seasons where it feels like everyone is celebrating new jobs, engagements, babies, milestones, achievements? Your feed is full of it, the highlight reels, the joy. And it's not that you're bitter, you are happy for them, truly. But also you're tired.

00:33

or you're in a hard season, or maybe you're just not in a celebrating place right now. I've felt this too. There have been times where seeing everyone else's joy made me feel disconnected. Not because I didn't want good things for them, but because it was hard to hold their joy when my own cup felt so empty. And that's okay. You are allowed to step back, to mute the noise, to protect your heart.

01:02

to not force yourself to clap when you're barely holding it together. Joy will come back around for you, but in the meantime, you don't owe anyone constant enthusiasm. So if today you're struggling to keep up with everyone else's joy, take a breath, release the guilt, honor where you are. If you're up for it, tell yourself, I give myself permission to not keep up with others' joy. I can hold space for my own season two.

01:31

That's your permission slip, Tuck it in your pocket, and I'll see you next time.