These terms are often used interchangeably. I have separated them. Happiness is based on my circumstances, while joy is sourced from within, regardless of my surroundings.
Often, I hear talk about the desire to be happy. This is a good idea, yet I view happiness because of my circumstances.
If this is the case, happiness is characterized by a sense of contentment, satisfaction, and general well-being based on what is happening around me.
It is easy to feel happy when I celebrate things in my life or when things seem to fall into place. Because I cannot control my circumstances, the relentless pursuit of sustained happiness can be elusive and frustrating.
The Apostle Paul found joy even while in chains. Oh my! Put me in chains, and finding joy would be very difficult. Yet when joy is sourced from within, I can find it anywhere.
I find myself in chains when I don't have control in various situations such as working in the heat, dealing with exorbitant prices, getting stuck in traffic, waiting for late deliveries, being late to important events, and many others. When these are the circumstances that I am facing and I only focus on them, I cannot find any happiness. [Blind Spot]
When I say, “So what, now what?" I can look for things I can control. I can’t go back and unring the bell or change what has happened, but I can choose how I react.
I can pray, read, listen to a motivating podcast, put on my favorite music, watch a recorded movie, do a project I have been putting off, or go do something healthy. I have learned to choose joy over happenstance. I can do so many other things than focus on what I can’t do.
Inner peace and joy are closely interconnected. Practice activities that calm your mind and create space for joy to emerge. These practices help you connect with your inner self and experience a profound sense of tranquility and joy.
What are your methods of self-care and calming? It is great to have all of them identified so that you can pick and choose what to do when the chains of everyday life bind you.
Watch for the blind spots.
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Blind Spots in Relationships
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