“Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties ~ Helen Keller
Do you ever feel like joy is absent from your life?
You wake up every morning to face a daily routine that’s no longer exciting.
You focus your time and effort on making sure all the serious stuff gets done first.
There may be sprinklings of humor and laughter in your day, but mostly it feels like drudgery.
You often think, “If only I had a little more money, or a little more time, or fewer responsibilities, I could be more joyful.”
Deep in your heart you know this is not true, but you’re not quite sure how to find the path to a life permeated by joy.
Laughing out Loud
In his book Between Heaven and Mirth, popular Catholic spiritual writer James Martin writes:
“Joy seems to have a disreputable reputation in some religious circles.”
This statement can easily apply to our lives in general.
When was the last time you allowed yourself to be truly joyful? Does the society around you support, value, and encourage your joy? Is unbridled joy seen as something suspicious or relegated to the naïve or irresponsible?
One of my earliest mentors was a man who was openly joyful. His most significant feature was his distinctive laugh. It was a loud and hearty laugh that came from deep within. And I was pretty sure he could be heard a mile away.
It was a laugh that no difficulty or heartbreak could hold back. His joy and warmth were so infectious that I couldn’t help but be joyful in his presence. In my own life, this kind man represented the exception rather than the rule. Why is that?
It feels like our world is starving for joy. How can we possibly live a life of joy in such a world?
1. Discover your inner child
If you spend even a short time around children, you quickly notice they’re often laughing. But it doesn’t end there. The quality of their joy is different. Their spirits open, spacious, and free – unencumbered by the fear of being judged.
They value laughter for its own sake. Their laughter is free of calculation, qualification, or ulterior motives.
Think back to a time when you simply delighted in joy and laughter. Begin to be that person again.
2. Look for examples to emulate
Yes, it might feel like the world is starved for joy but there are many living examples. Think of the Dalai Lama who calls himself a “professional laugher.”
Do you have someone in your life who just exudes joy? How do they challenge you to cultivate your own joy? Does it annoy you? It’s a good sign. Sometimes the discomfort is our hearts trying to tell us that we need to lighten up and enjoy life.
These people show us that we can experience joy even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
3. You go first
You know how on the first day of class no one wants to raise their hand to ask a question? Know how it takes one brave soul to break the ice and allow others to know that it’s ok to ask?
Sometimes it feels that way with joy. We tend to be measured, avoiding outbursts of extreme emotion. We hold back, waiting for a reason to share our joy. But no reason is needed to let go and freely share the joy that is within you.
Want to change the culture of gloom in your family or workplace? It’s possible through sincere expressions of joy. But you must be willing to go first.
Don’t wait for permission to be joyful
Joy needs no justification for its existence. You don’t have to wait for all your ducks to be in a row.
The essence of joy is simply the ability to delight in being alive.
The ability to cultivate joy can change our lives and change the world.
May you grow the life-giving joy that already resides deep within you.
Another fantastic reminder Cylon, with great timing. Recently I asked my youngest child how come he was always so happy and his response “it’s a choice mom, you have to choose to be happy.” You and Reece are quite wise, thank you for the reminder.
Thanks Tracey 🙂 Remembering it’s a choice is something I have to relearn every day!