ep.2 Happiness vs. Joy
Episode 02 Happiness vs. Joy
Do you know the difference between the two? Many do not understand there is a difference due to the fact that we are never taught about either. We are basically taught they are both the same thing.
Let’s review what we are seeking in both of these terms. One can be seen as external and one is internal.
People come across many hardships in trying to determine the difference as well as actually achieving happiness and joy. This dates back to our childhood experiences feeling once I get here, I am going to feel “_______”
In reality, there is always the next thing and the emotion of happiness can be fleeting. Joy can be found internally. Which is a tough job to teach since we are such external creatures. It can be very scary to look inside for the answers to our joy. It can be much easier to continually look for the next thing to bring happiness. A constant holding out in the distance for something to give us fifteen minutes of happiness.
The current state of fear and uncertainty are influencing our external set of emotions, removing our ability to find our happiness. Seeking external is not working in times like this and doing the internal work is becoming ever more important.
How do we begin to do our internal work? Sit down, stop, think of the moments in life when time flew by and you were filled with joy. What were you doing? Being generous, serving others, playing an instrument?? Make the list, happiness on one side for the external and joy on the other side for the internal.
Psychology study: Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, how you are and why you are. Happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on people, things, and events.
Is it a selfish act to work on yourself? Many people feel this is true due to taking away time from others who needed you. But not doing the work can lead to making everybody around you miserable. Take a few moments for yourself to replenish.
We can sometimes be our own worst critic feeling we are not worthy of feeling joy. Remember, you are worthy. You did not come here to feel unworthy—we are special and deserve to feel the abundance of life. Don’t give up on finding your joy. One useful trick is to go back to things that used to make you happy, you do not need to leave all of those in the past. Things in our childhood can bring us so much joy and we are allowed to go back to those moments—allowing us to flood in good memories.
The benefits we can feel are immeasurable including health benefits. Getting stuck in the routine of unhappiness and lack of joy have devastating effects on our health. Baby steps to come back to our joy is a great predictor of health. Being joyful could add years to your life!!
The Book of Joy
8 Pillars of Joy:
Perspective
Humility
Humor
Acceptance
Forgiveness
Gratitude
Compassion
Generosity
Each episode will continue to cover everyday topics and ideas we all seem to battle with and come face to face with. Tune in let us know what you think and feel from each episode as we encourage all feedback on this journey to bring more light, love, and self-empowerment with @SpiritualFitness.itc