Dear Reader,
“What makes you smile? What makes you laugh out loud?”
I was asked this recently, and I realized I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed so freely that I simply surrendered to the moment.
We are living through unusual times. Our social circles often shrink to studies, work, sports, religious commitments — and the cycle repeats. Turning on the television — for those who still do — means constant exposure to conflict, crises, and excess. Social media keeps us immersed in endless stimulation and instant rewards. Everything feels unstable, echoing what Zygmunt Bauman described as the liquidity of modern life.
This reflection isn’t about listing problems, but about understanding how our environment shapes us. Are we laughing less because we’re surrounded by heavier narratives? Look around: colors have faded, designs have become uniform, expressions more restrained. If laughter feels rare, what is our environment trying to tell us? How much of our emotional fatigue comes from overconnection and constant stimulation?
Perhaps it’s time to return to the essential — to what is human. What truly makes you feel well? I’m reminded of a question Steve Jobs reportedly asked himself each morning: if I do today what I’m about to do, will it make me happy? He believed that answering “no” for many consecutive days was a warning sign.
Not everyone can change immediately. But everyone can plan when to change. Some need years to build stability and breathe more freely. Others must climb steep steps just to reach the basics. And some simply need someone willing to listen, so they can regain strength.
I don’t know when you’ll read this, but know this: you’re not alone.
Here, I hope you’ve found a safe place to rest — before continuing the journey.
Warm regards,
Augusto Machado