Kayla Nicole, the ex-girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, posted a cryptic message on social media about choosing joy, shortly after Kelce and Taylor Swift announced their engagement, sparking widespread speculation and discussion. This move highlights her focus on personal growth and resilience in the face of public scrutiny.
On August 27, 2025, Nicole took to her Instagram Stories to repost a video from actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who elaborated on the distinction between joy and happiness. Ross stated, ‘I think joy is different from happiness. Happiness is something you can get at 7-Eleven, and joy is something that you earn and work for and takes practice.’ She further described joy as an attitude, perspective, and lens through which she lives her life, emphasizing its deeper and more sustained nature compared to fleeting emotions.
Nicole accompanied the video with her own commentary, writing, ‘Read about this concept years ago in a book called “Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough.” I aspire. So so good.’ This reference is to a self-help book by Kay Warren, indicating Nicole’s long-standing interest in cultivating joy as a personal philosophy and her commitment to emotional well-being.
The timing of Nicole’s post is particularly notable, as it came just hours after Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift revealed their engagement on Instagram. The couple shared a series of romantic photos from a garden proposal, with Swift showcasing a significant diamond ring, and captioned the post with a playful message: ‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨.’ The announcement quickly went viral, dominating news cycles and social media platforms.
Nicole and Kelce were in an on-and-off relationship for five years, from 2017 to 2022, before parting ways. Their breakup was subject to public speculation, including rumors of infidelity and financial issues, though Kelce has denied some claims. Nicole has been open about the heartbreak she experienced, discussing it on her podcast “The Pre-Game” and in interviews, often without directly naming Kelce. She has spoken about the challenges of moving on, including seeking therapy and making changes to her social media circles, such as unfollowing mutual friends like Brittany and Patrick Mahomes.
In response to the engagement news, Nicole’s message is interpreted by many as a graceful and positive way to address the situation. Instead of expressing negativity or bitterness, she focused on her own journey and the choice of joy, which has been praised by fans and commentators alike. This approach underscores her resilience and commitment to personal empowerment, resonating with audiences who value mental health and self-care.
The public reaction has been largely supportive, with many defending Nicole and applauding her for handling the spotlight with dignity. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of comments praising her maturity and strength, while some analysts noted how this incident illustrates the intense scrutiny that comes with celebrity relationships and the ways individuals navigate post-breakup dynamics in the public eye.
As Nicole continues her career as a media personality and podcast host, this moment may reinforce her image as someone who promotes positive messaging and self-growth. Her emphasis on joy over happiness aligns with broader cultural trends towards mental wellness, making her response relatable and inspiring to a wide audience. Moving forward, it highlights the importance of handling personal challenges with poise in an era of constant media attention.
