Create friendships based in joy.

So often, people hold back or even dull their joy to fit into the norm. Have you noticed?

The attraction to darkness and a culture of pain infiltrates media and entertainment. It seems to sell. It allures. It may even be addictive. And when doing it in a collective environment, it offers a sense of belonging, which is safe. The connection with a group through pain surely invites more of the same. Suffering, fighting, complaining become what is expected, and what is shared in companionship and community.

We see people building friendships and companionship based on what is wrong with their lives. Are people more comfortable sharing hurts over happiness? We know we will be accepted in our victimhood. We know others might even feel better about themselves at the expense of our supposed failures or misfortunes. Many create closeness victim to victim.

My question is this: can you be accepted by your friends when you are empowered and thriving?

Does your community encourage you to grow, succeed, and share your happiness? Developing relationships based on hurt and negativity feeds a norm, but it keeps us from fulfilling our positive potentials. These relationships may fulfill our human need for safety, but soon there is stagnation. When we focus on what is hurt and broken, instead of what is good and right, we stay hurt and broken. To be consoled through a challenging time is different than consistent comradery through pain.

Have you heard the saying, “Misery loves company?” Guess what? Joy loves company too! So, what do you choose?

The choice is yours. Will you keep your head down, so to speak, instead of lifting your eyes to the light that releases joy into your life? If you are mediocre, you will fit in and possibly feel close to many. If you are extraordinary, happy, inspired, and joyful, you may fear that others will not be as comfortable around you. Or that they will be envious, jealous, and avoid you. Perhaps you are concerned that you’ll appear ‘better than’ or self-centered. What others think of you is none of your business. Besides, there are many empowered ones awaiting your entry into the happiness club.

One of the most important inner moves you can make, for your own life, and as an example to others is to choose happiness. You’ll find out, there are companions to share the inspired journey with.