If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, was known for her profound connection to nature and her ability to capture the beauty and wonder of the world in her poetry. Her work often evoked a sense of joy and awe in her readers, encouraging them to embrace the simple pleasures of life and to find solace in the natural world.

In one of her most famous poems, "Don't Hesitate," Mary Oliver writes, "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give in to it." This line encapsulates Oliver's philosophy of embracing moments of joy and allowing oneself to fully experience and appreciate the beauty and wonder of life.

Oliver's poetry is filled with images of the natural world – the song of a bird, the rustle of leaves, the shimmer of sunlight on water – and she often encourages her readers to slow down, to pay attention, and to find joy in the small moments that make up our lives. In a world that is often chaotic and overwhelming, Oliver's poetry serves as a reminder to pause, to breathe, and to find joy in the present moment.

For Oliver, joy is not something to be taken for granted or overlooked. It is a gift to be cherished and embraced, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day. In her poem "Mindful," she writes, "Every day / I see or hear / something / that more or less / kills me with delight." This sense of wonder and gratitude permeates Oliver's work, inviting her readers to open their hearts to the joy that is all around them.