Dance, even

A couple years ago, I wrote about a colleague I admired who was known for his exceptional work ethic, levity, and joy.

Here’s how I describe described him:

He always worked hard but never took himself too seriously.

He would fail spectacularly in one moment and then reflect, laugh, and learn the next moment.

During stressful times when many colleagues were feeling overwhelmed, he’d always find a way to break the tension and brighten up people’s day with a good joke.

After a long day of intense sessions during one of our company’s sales meetings, he was the first one on the dance floor during cocktail hour.

There’s a word for this kind of nimble, work-hard-but-have-make-sure-to-have-fun mindset: resilience.

A line I read from the novel Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop captured his spirit perfectly and reminded me of him once again: “Dance, even in disappointment. Dance, even in failure. Let go. Laugh, and keep laughing.”

Hardship is generally not a choice.

Playfulness and resilience in the face of hardship is.