Choose Joy

Have you ever wondered what the difference between joy and happiness is?

Happiness is described as fleeting, an external emotion triggered by circumstances or achievements.

Joy is described as a deep, internal state of being based on purpose, connection, and gratitude that can endure even through difficult times.

Looking at these two explanations, I notice happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes, it depends on someone else, or a brief moment of your accomplishments. It seems heavily impacted by an external circumstance. Our friends, family, pets, and succeeding in life can make us happy momentarily. These are all good, we all want happiness.

But, my dear friend, Oh to be filled with joy. To be grateful even in difficult times, to have a deep internal peace that doesn't depend on outward forces but instead, is rooted deep inside your soul. It's a wonderful feeling, it's attractive, it's contagious and euphoric. It is also a choice, a choice every morning to wake up and say, "I am choosing joy."

We are often told do not look backwards, I am suggesting if you do look in your past, find the gratitude. Choose to remember the moments that were heavy but you survived, the times when you know you had an angel protecting you, when a blessing or a person came to just help you along, even if it was just someone smiling at you or holding the door for you. Our past can remind us of how far we've come and the hurt we have survived. I encourage you to reflect on those moments and measure the gratitude that's brought you here. I encourage you to choose joy!