While exploring some of my curiosities to prepare for this cycle, I found it fascinating to see descriptions of the differences between happiness and joy. Happiness can often be fast and fleeting, but joy can even persist amidst problems. Joy frequently represents our outlook on and approach to life. If we feel fulfilled and purposeful, then we can be joyful.
Joy is that kind of happiness that does not depend on what happens.
-David Steindl-Rast
I will fully acknowledge that the following may sound weird. In fact, I am still learning to embrace this concept more wholly myself. What about joyous sadness or joyous anger? Why must we ever shelve our joy? We do not and possibly should not have to ever set aside joy. Whenever we choose to try to exert too much control on life is when we take joy off the table. Instead, if we flow with each moment more, we can be more joyous.
Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life.
-Wess Stafford
Every moment will not be sunshine and rainbows. We will have difficult tests in life, but those are opportunities for us to learn and grow; we can express joy for those lessons. We will face heartbreaking losses at times. Those sad and upsetting phases exist due to joy in the past that we can reflect upon and remember fondly. It will not replace sadness nor should it, but the two can still coexist peacefully and synergistically within our soul.
Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
I love this thought of finding and choosing more joy in each of my days and moments. By letting go of my false sense of needing to control everything, I can embrace the present as-is and look for and appreciate the joyful aspects in it. Would you rather resist current events stubbornly or focus on the factor that can bring a twinkle to your eye? We can and should push for progress, yet it will be more effective and contagious when done joyfully.
Let your joy be in your journey – not in some distant goal.
-Tim Cook
Are you feeling fulfilled? Do you have a strong sense of purpose? Perhaps you can search your soul some for such self-subsisting ideals. The greater they are, then the greater the possible joy that awaits. Enjoy the process of looking within and listening to what you find. Embrace the adventure that will fan your flame of joyous compassion for yourself and others, and remember to slow down and bask in the beautiful world all around us.
If we set aside time each day to be in a peaceful environment, to walk in nature, or even just to look at a flower or the sky, then that beauty will penetrate us and feed our love and our joy.
-Thích Nhất Hanh
I hope we can all move forward with more contented and peaceful joy resting within. We each have a purpose to fulfill here, and I believe they can all coexist in joyous harmony. If we approach our experiences and interactions from a place of joy, then we can all benefit.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.