Joy Shouldn't Require a Permission Slip — But Here's Why So Many of Us Act Like It Does
For a lot of high-achieving professionals, pleasure comes loaded with guilt — a quiet voice insisting that rest hasn't been earned yet. This isn't a character flaw. It's what happens when productivity culture gets internalized so deeply it rewires how you relate to your own enjoyment. Here's what's really going on, and why reclaiming joy isn't indulgent — it's essential.