When I look back at everything I’ve written for The Lion’s Tale, I’m overwhelmed by the seriousness of it all. Why did I feel like I always needed to tackle the hardest issues, like abortion, trans rights and racism?

I feel like I have to advocate for everything I believe in, all the time. I’m concerned that if I don’t speak up, then no one else will. So my voice becomes pretty loud, and many people associate this with me. So much so that my classmates suggested I put “You’re on native land” on my senior jersey. This was making fun of a sticker I had on my water bottle that said that, and it made me feel defined by one thing, boxed into a politically correct stereotype and like my class mates didn’t truly know me.

Looking back on high school, I regret not showing my silly side more often: belting out song lyrics, joking around and saying nonsensical things. I was worried that people would think I was weird if I acted unconventionally or that it would undermine my credibility in academic settings. But being just one thing all the time isn’t authentic. I wonder if I could have made more of my high school experience if I let my guard down and let other people get to know me better.

Everything is so loud all the time, and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. Everyone thinks they’re an authority on everything. Everyone has something to say. People won’t shut up about everything serious, and it can make you feel guilty for looking for an escape or happier things. I’m here to tell you that those people are insecure. They’re worried that if they don’t make their voices heard and make them heard loud, they’re liable to be ignored.

Embrace the silly. Cherish the nonsense, distractions, fiddlesticks and hogwash. Laugh at things that aren’t funny. Say the first thing that comes to mind, even if it sounds stupid. Play the fool, act the jokester or simply do what comes naturally to you. Advocacy is important, but don’t let it drown out the reason why we advocate in the first place: equal pursuit of joy.