Joy

        "How many times in your life have you heard the word joy spoken? It is such a simple three lettered word but so seldom used. It is not considered a common word if you think of words used often as common. And to carry it a step further, how often do you hear the subject discussed? When, if ever, have you discussed joy? Is it that rare? Is it something that we never think about or never experience? If this is the case, why is this true? There are moments of joy, the birth of a child is an example, but unfortunately not a joyful moment for all....though it should be. There are moments of success that bring joy and accomplishments that are hard won and athletic endeavors and many moments of joy, passing joy. We exult when our team or an individual wins at a game or when we succeed in some way, but though the feeling may linger, it does not last. It becomes a memory.

        Perhaps the reason we do not experience joy more often is because we think it is an unattainable state, a high point not often reached. Or perhaps we have not experienced it at all and again think it is unattainable. Joy is like sunlight, it's there and can be experienced in many ways. It can be like dawning light or setting sun. It comes in different strengths and different intensities. It does not have to be the 'firecracker' explosive type of feeling. It can be a single simple moment of peace and contentment and pleasure. It is happiness intertwined with those things. The pleasure may be small. There are so many things around each person that can give joy, there are so many gifts of pleasure in each day and in each night. The problem is that we do not take the time to notice these gifts or perhaps we look too quickly or not at all. A star is a joyful thing, a tiny sparkling twinkle of light, but they are there and all too common so it becomes an object only. We can look at the stars, but we don't take the time to see the pleasure they can give.

        We can take moments of joy in other people. We can delight in their being, in their living and being. Humor draws people because it gives lightness. And that lightness is close or akin to joy. It is difficult to lighten up with problems and responsibilities and irritating experiences all around us, but if you can become aware of possibilities of joy, there will be opportunities to make it part of your life."