Joy

“Each day, I look for joy.”

My patient shared her perspective on life and health in these six simple words.

Not some days, but each day.

The act of looking, a reminder that we are active participants, not passive recipients, of our journey, of our healing.

Joy.

Not happiness. Joy.

Not elation. Joy.

Not drama or discord. Joy.

 

A moment to consider what we choose to seek today and everyday.

How does seeking joy differ from seeking happiness?

“Even though we may seek it, desire it, pursue it, etc., feeling happiness is not a choice we make. Joy, on the other hand, is a choice purposefully made.” (courtesy of Compassion International)

Another perspective: “Happiness comes from things happening. It is circumstantial. Joy is about where your confidence lies. Where is your confidence when things are not going your way?” (Purpose City Church)

 

Cultivate joy, brothers and sisters.

If you have lost touch with joy, give her a ring today. (She always picks up when we call)

Find a person next to you and share your joy with them. And then be open to them sharing similarly. Joy, like most of life, is best experienced with others, in community.

 

Each day, I look for joy.

May it be so.

A pic that is joy to me. It is rain clouds and water and transition and brilliant colors. All offering us different medicine. I took this a few weeks ago on the shore of the Rio Grande.