I had a bad day.

There’s not much use in going into details. I had a bad day, and we all have them.

I had the kind of day that results in calling a good friend, in one of two emotional states:

1) Tears & Hysteria

“But – but – but – but – but – RACHEL (friend of choice for this call)… I’m trying SOOOO hard!”

2) Anger & Rationalizing

“I did this wrong, but I did this. I DID this. I DID THIS RIGHT I DO EVERYTHING RIGHT!”

When I finally got settled for the night, I (with hesitation) checked Facebook. Sometimes, most times, that makes it worse. What I found was a post from my sister, sharing a video my brother made at school.

Brief context:

My little brother JUST went to college. I worry about him all the time. I calculate how many crates of Ramen noodles I should send him. I contemplate texting him, reminding him to go to class. The only thing that’s held me back is my own post-high school development (being on my own) and brief calls where he assures me he’s fine.

Lil brudder.
Lil brudder.

Of course, I watched the video… and was in awe.

I mean, look for yourself:

First thoughts:

Ricky did this? My brother?

Second thoughts:

This reminds me of something…

When I went to Temple, and decided to major in Film, I got nothing but support from my parents. Why? I’ll never know.

I can’t believe they gave me such support. I had no experience in film, besides a passion for writing. I think maybe, they just knew that it made me happy. Being creative lit me up. The same is true for Ricky (my brother).

His cute, quirky video reminded me of how motivated, passionate, I become when I’m enthused and happy. It’s easy to be super productive when you’re excited. When you’re doing something awesome, it’s easy to stay up all night and throw yourself into your work.

It’s later in life, when you’re faced with adult tasks and situations… it’s hard to stay upbeat. Finding thrill in the seemingly boring other parts of our days, the same cup of stale coffee, the same awful medical bills, the endless chores… some days, it’s nearly impossible. Some days, you just want to give in to the frustration.

Although this isn’t too deep, or particularly inspiring… I think it’s crucial just to maintain happiness. It’s not always easy, but when you remember how light and incredible you feel at your most passionate…. you realize you’re capable of such happiness all the time.

Don’t just save joy for when it’s easy…. find joy when it’s difficult. Find joy when you want to give up. Find joy when you’re gripping the wheel of your car, on the phone with a friend, somehow finding something hilarious you can both laugh at, despite at how crummy you feel.

It’s when you can stop laughing, be grateful for your friend, and ask “Hey, how was your day? What’s going on in your world?”, even though it’s so tempting to continue to blab on about how crappy your day was (something I’m getting better at).

For this unexpected lesson, I thank my little brother. My advice to him? Do your homework, even when it sucks… stay happy.