Happiness And Joy

Things That went Right Today:

1) Restarting my Mommy Blog.
2) Book outline came to me in the night.
3) Got a new camera with video capacity.

This morning I have been pondering on the difference between happiness and joy. When I think of the word "happiness," I typically think of simple fun things that make me smile and feel temporarily good inside. Things like comedy movies, going to amusement parks, singing and dancing. I picture people laughing on a night out with friends, playing games, enjoying delicious food and having adventures. Happiness in this definition is shallow positive sensory experience. What feels good at the moment. Dependent on having the right circumstances and surroundings. I don't mean to downplay its importance or suggest that it's inherently bad in any way. There is nothing wrong at all with finding ways to break up the monotony of day to day living. Doing things we enjoy. Laughter is indeed the best medicine and the quality of our lives improve dramatically when we remember to incorporate play and fun into our routines. The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental right and meant to be enjoyed!

When I think of the word "joy" a deeper meaning is conveyed though. Joy comes from within. It is the peace that comes from connecting with a higher power. The comfort of long term relationships. Believing in yourself. Accepting and loving the person that you are. Forgiving others so your heart is light. Developing self control. Maintaining hope for the future. Concentrating on gratitude for our blessings rather than frustration over what we lack. Joy brings internal peace and contentment regardless of our circumstances.

Often happiness and joy go hand in hand and compliment each other. The fun times we have with our family can strengthen our relationships. Laughter and play can keep us centered on positive things. When we feel inner joy it can make even mundane things feel like happy adventures. These states are complimentary and work best when experienced together. But that is not always the case.

Sometimes we can feel "happiness" that is mostly an illusion created by a jovial atmosphere or mind altering substances. Or we can throw ourselves into the pursuit of pleasure and "success" and wind up neglecting our families, health or spiritual connections. When we do so we may have fun for awhile, but will ultimately find the fundamentals of true joy eroding until we no longer experience it anymore. Once the joy is gone, happiness rarely lasts long and remains a fleeting thing until we take the time to rebuild the foundation of real joy once again.

On the flip side, joy can be felt even in the absence of happiness.  There are countless examples in all of our lives of people who somehow manage to withstand great trials in their lives and maintain peace of mind. Of those who smile even when times are tough and continue to reach out to help and love others throughout their own personal difficulties. Many things can temporarily destroy our surface happiness. Disease, troubled children and family members, job loss, natural disaster, etc. We cannot always control what happens to us in this life. But we can always feel joy if we cling to faith, hope and the power of love. And if we remain focused on thankful living.

I wish you all both happiness AND joy, today and every day!