Happiness is a Drug, Joy is Forever

Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.?

Joy is a deeper and more enduring emotion that is rooted in a sense of contentment and fulfilment. It is a feeling of deep satisfaction and well-being that comes from within, and it is not dependent on external circumstances.

For example, let's say that you have always wanted to travel to Europe, and you finally save up enough money to take the trip of a lifetime. While the trip itself may bring you a sense of happiness and excitement, the joy that you feel may come from the sense of accomplishment and personal growth that you experience as a result of making your dream a reality.

The happiness that you feel during the trip may fade as the trip comes to an end, but the joy that you feel from developing the confidence that you can save money for your goals and travel alone abroad, may remain long after the trip is over.

So happiness is a fleeting emotion that is based on external circumstances and is often influenced by our environment and the people around us. It is a feeling of pleasure or contentment that is often temporary and can be easily influenced by outside factors.

Happiness is almost like a drug that way. We constantly chase the “high”, then are faced with a “low” and then chase the "high" again, never truly being content.

Here's another example. Let's say that you receive a promotion at work that you have been working towards for years. The happiness that you feel upon receiving the promotion may be intense and short-lived, as it is based on the external circumstance of receiving the promotion. However, the joy that you feel from the sense of confidence and personal growth that comes from working towards and achieving your goals will be longer-lasting.

While both joy and happiness can bring positivity and fulfilment to our lives, they differ in their depth and duration. Joy is a more stable and consistent emotion that can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life, while happiness is more fleeting and often depends on external factors.

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How to Adopt Joy and Achieve Freedom

So, how can we adopt joy and achieve freedom in our lives? Here are a few tips:

Practice gratitude

One of the keys to cultivating joy is to focus on the things that you are grateful for. This can be small things, like a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, or larger things, like the support of friends and family. By regularly practicing gratitude, you can shift your focus from the negative to the positive, which can help you feel more content and fulfilled.

For example, you might start a gratitude journal where you write down three things that you are grateful for each day. This simple practice can help you focus on the good things in your life and cultivate a sense of appreciation and contentment.

Find your purpose

Another important step in adopting joy is to find your purpose in life. This can be a career, a hobby, or a cause that you are passionate about. When you have a sense of purpose, it can give you a sense of meaning and direction, which can bring joy and fulfilment to your life.

For example, perhaps you have always had a passion for environmental conservation. You may find joy and fulfilment by volunteering your time to work on conservation projects, or by pursuing a career in the field. Having a sense of purpose that aligns with your values and passions can bring a sense of meaning and fulfilment to your life.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can become more attuned to your own emotions and find greater peace and contentment in your life.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to sit in silence and focus on your breath. By learning to be present in the moment, you can let go of stress and worries about the past or future, and find greater peace and contentment in the present.

Let go of attachments

One of the biggest obstacles to joy is attachment to material possessions or certain outcomes. By letting go of these attachments and learning to be present in the moment, you can find greater peace and contentment.

For example, perhaps you have always dreamed of owning a certain car or living in a certain house. While these things may bring temporary happiness, they are not a source of lasting joy. And once you achieve these things, your mind will already be onto the next big shiny object, meaning you’ll never truly feel satisfied, and live in constant want and anxiety of getting what you want

By letting go of our attachments to material possessions and learning to be grateful for what we have, we can find greater contentment and fulfilment in life.

Connect with others

Finally, connecting with others and building meaningful relationships can bring joy and fulfilment to your life. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family, volunteering, or joining a community group, connecting with others can provide a sense of belonging and purpose that can bring joy and fulfilment.

For example, perhaps you find joy in volunteering your time to help others. By giving back to your community and building connections with others who share your values and passions, you can find a sense of purpose and fulfilment that brings joy to your life.

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Overall, joy is a deeper and more enduring emotion that is rooted in a sense of contentment and fulfilment. It is different from happiness, which is often influenced by external circumstances and is fleeting, just like a drug. By practicing gratitude, finding your purpose, practicing mindfulness, letting go of attachments, and connecting with others, you can adopt joy and achieve more peace and freedom in your life.