Joy is something we all desire in our life. However, I think most of us confuse it with happiness.
Happiness is more circumstantial. More surface-level dependent.
It’s an emotion that comes and goes.
Is the weather good. Did things go my way today. Was I recognized for my effort.
Conversely, Joy is a gift that accompanies the presence of purpose. It starts in the heart and resides in the soul.
It’s a calm delight. An inner gladness.
It’s a choice and a decision. The things you see and how you see them. Moreover, how they affect you.
When things don’t go your way or it’s just a bad day - the feeling of happiness can escape you. But, joy is foundational to who you are.
Once we accept that, it can and will last indefinitely.
In a recent conversation I had with a business partner around the many moving parts (operations, systems, equipment), people (employees, vendors, landlord, clients, etc.), timelines, deadlines, results…
Personal, family, relationships…
The demands are great and the time is short. He asked me, “how the heck do you manage?”
My direct and short answer - Don’t Let It Steal Your Joy!
Do all that you can while making sure to Not Let It (anything or anyone) Steal Your Joy!
Meaning, never lose sight of the gifts, blessings and treasures you do have.
Operate with a sense of urgency! Prioritize - Get The Right Stuff Done.
Eliminate procrastination! If it’s important to your mission, goals and values - Do It Now, delegate or delete.
And as far as hurts, let-downs, disappointments, or failures - be quick to look at yourself first. Be honest with you. What part did your actions or in action contribute to the result?
This will always help encourage you to do you the best you possibly can while lessening the tendency to be upset with others first and overreact.
Knowing that Joy is an inside job, I need to avoid things that limit it. Focusing on the negatives, speaking badly about my circumstances, putting things off, spending time with the wrong people, are toxic and damaging.
So I choose to exercise and release it on a daily basis. Sometimes more than others, but I have become far more aware of it over the years.
Doing so builds stronger habits that help consistently stir up the joy inside of me. Similar to exercise and working out. When I don’t do it for a few days, then get back to it, the first thing I realize is that I feel so much better.
I immediately wonder why I allowed myself to get away from it in the first place.
So do this for the rest of the week…
Look for the things, people, actions (ie. buying Dulci chocolates for you and a friend) that stir up Joy. I guarantee you’ll be better for it. 😊
enJOY,
Brock
P.S. Life is too short not to be JOYFUL, and way too long not to do it Right.
