Hello Joy-seekers!
This is my first blog post for Shine Your Joy, so "let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start" (just like with Do Re Me)! To understand how we can embrace joy, we have to better understand what it is.
The official dictionary definition describes joy as the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. So is joy happiness? Well, not exactly.
Both are emotions, but joy goes much deeper on a soul and spiritual level. While happiness expresses bliss and elation for moments in life, joy comes from a good representation of selflessness or a spiritual connection. Happiness can often be a temporary feeling while joy is long-lasting, since it is found in spiritual and selfless experiences.
The most singular difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is a solid and joy a liquid.
-J.D. Salinger, author of Catcher in the Rye
I believe this quote means that joy is ever-flowing and overflowing and doesn't end or stop just because life becomes challenging. Happiness is often fleeting, but joy is something you can continue to have, even in the midst of adversity.
So how can we embrace joy? Well the truth is, it's something that we chose and have to continue to practice. While happiness is more reactive, joy is a conscious choice we have to make each day that continues to transcend. That choice helps us show gratitude more for our blessings and the important people in our lives. And we also adopt a sense of care for those around us.
The most selfish thing you can do in this world is help someone else. Why is it selfish? Because the gratification, the goodness that comes to you, the good feeling...nothing is better than that. It's the joy, that's where the joy is, in helping others.
Denzel Washington, Commencement Speech at Dillard University Graduation Ceremony, 2015
Just like Denzel mentions in this quote, looking outward rather than just inward at all of our challenges and problems can actually bring us joy. That good feeling comes from having a positive perspective when we focus on others instead of just ourselves. Shifting that focus can in turn give us the wonderful gift of being able to better deal with our own issues because we have a reminder that our situations are not permanent. We can choose to view our situations through this lens of joy by helping others.
For me personally, I feel the most joy when I'm inspiring or encouraging others and when I'm making connections through shared passions. And I find that when I'm focusing on others and also embracing the passions my soul loves the most, I'm filling that joy cup to the fullest!
So, as you continue on your own joy-seeking journey, I encourage you to shine your joy. If we all choose to do this together, I believe we will make the world a more loving and better place.
Shine on!
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