If only "joy" could pay the bills

I read about a café that closed down recently.

It was run by two elderly couples who were known to be kind. They remembered everyone’s name. Their coffee was simple, not expensive, not fancy. They made everything feel like home.

But one day, they had to close the café.
“We can’t make a living,” they said.

There was also a small library for children who did not have much.

Volunteers brought books to the park and shared them with the kids. Anyone could read. The books opened new worlds for those children. However, someone said the library did not follow the “rules.”

Sometimes, even when things are free, real freedom still costs too much, and nobody wants to pay. Or worse, there will be people who won't allow these kinds of freedom.

Another story is about a football field.

Neighbours used to gather there for birthdays and local festivals. Children played, and people celebrated together. But now, the field is gone.

In its place, there is an apartment building with shiny windows and parking spaces. Some people say it is a “good investment.” But these buildings do not create community.

Now, it is just another place that makes money.

Little by little, special places disappear, because happiness does not create profit. The rich and powerful prioritise their own interests over the growth of a community.

I often think:

What if happiness could be added to a balance sheet, like money?
What if children’s laughter were counted as profit?
What if smiles could pay the rent?

Until then, the truth remains:

The most valuable things in life are often the least profitable.
Maybe that is how we know they are real.

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.