I had the pleasure of going to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. There was an exhibit in a big room, there stood a 12 x 12 foot…BOX.

It was called The Sound of Silence. Inside this box was an eight-minute story about Pulitzer prize winning journalist Kevin Carter. The story told by nothing but words flashing on the screen. And then an actual flash and the photo that won him the prestigious award, a vulture looking at a impoverished child during the time of famine in Sudan.

The entire story leading up to this photo. The photographers journey through apartheid in South Africa, his visit to Sudan and covering a time of famine. He was heavily criticized for the photo. After he won the award for the picture he committed suicide months later. Part of his suicide note said “The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist…I am depressed…” Joy comes from the inside. Circumstances, things, people, jobs, etc. cannot take it away. Things change, you may be in a famine one day, in a hostile environment the next but your joy should never be compromised. Protect it, keep it in the…BOX.

Quote: “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” Helen Keller

Tip: Be joyful about life. You are alive and that is enough to keep going. Focus on the positive to get you through the famine in your life.