Who or what are you allowing to steal your joy? Well that is quite enough of that. It is time to reclaim your joy. Joy changes EVERYTHING. Yep I am telling you it does. It certainly has for me. It changes how you, see, hear and feel the world around you. Let’s face it my gorgeous ones we deserve to be joyful.
I would rather be infected by someones joy than misery. How about you? Yes, but Debbie you don’t understand?! STOP that thought process right now. I DO understand I was held hostage by misery for sometime. Then I discovered the only ransom I had to pay to regain my joy had already been paid for me, for you, for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:6 Now keep reading regardless of your faith. The same principles apply to all of us. Non of us are exempt.
Joy is stronger than seeking happiness.
Happiness is external. It’s based on situations, events, people, places, things, and thoughts. It massages our ego. Joy is internal. It is not reliant on people places or things. It dwells deep within us and nourishes our soul.
Joy brings fulfilment and purpose.
So how do I get me some joy our Debs? I hear you ask. Take a look at this comparison and as you read it, simply have an open mind and ask yourself to look deeper at your own life. People are drawn more to those that radiate joy like a magnet, as they feel calm, soothing and peaceful to be around.
Meaning: Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure.
Causes: earthly experiences, material objects.
Emotion: outward expression of elation.
Timeframe: temporary, based on outward circumstances
Example: In the midst of life’s ups and downs happiness is still present.
Analogy: Happiness is a state. Think of it as a 100 story building and each level corresponds to a happiness value. And that happiness will persist for quite a long time
Life: Happiness can be experienced from any good activity, food or company.
Meaning: Joy is a stronger, less common feeling than happiness. Witnessing or achieving selflessness to the point of personal sacrifice frequently triggers this emotion. Feeling spiritually connected to God or to people.
Causes: Spiritual experiences, caring for others, gratitude, thankfulness.
Emotion: inward peace and contentment.
Timeframe: lasting, based on inward circumstances.
Example: Serving others, sometimes through sacrifice with no possible personal gain. Witnessing justice for the less fortunate. Feeling close to God.
Analogy: Joy is that sudden burst of happiness. Joy is like the elevator in that building that takes you up to higher levels of happiness only for a small amount of time and back. The more you stay in the causes of Joy the longer the experience.
Life: Joy is a byproduct of a moral lifestyle.
