The gloomy nature of the world and the weather made me realize that I have been living without joy for a while. I haven’t been looking for the glimmers. My focus has been on other things that seem more pressing. It’s not that I can’t feel joy. I’ve just forgotten to actively look for it during the day.
Joy Is A State Of Mind.
I was surprised to discover that joy and happiness are not actually the same thing. Happiness is the reaction that we have to something pleasurable. It’s an emotion. We need the exciting thing to happen, for us to feel happy. However, joy is not dependent on outside events. “Joy is a state of mind that can be found even in times of grief or uncertainty. Thus, we can work on cultivating joy independent of our circumstances.”* Wow!
Health Benefits
Finding joy can strengthen our immune system, decrease stress and relieve pain.* That’s a remedy I could do with and one I’d like to spread to others in my life.
Spread The Joy
There are many ways to cultivate a joyful mindset (see link below for details) but I’m going to try to limiting my grumbling. When I vent or complain to others regularly, it becomes a habit. It stops me from feeling joyful and spreads the misery to others.**
I’m not one for toxic positivity. All our emotions are valid. But instead of complaining about annoying obstacles that come my way, I want to “use the chair” as actor, Michael Caine explains in this video:
There is often a way to use the difficulty as an opportunity, rather than something that zaps me of joy. The other day, when I was experiencing writer’s block from a foggy brain, I turned it into a blog post about brain fog. I recalled his advice and I “used the chair.” 😀
What are your favourite ways to feel joy and spread joy in your life? Comment below.
* Click here for a list of ways to find joy from Harvard Medical School.
**https://hackspirit.com/habits-of-happy-people-who-spread-joy-to-others/
Retired, And Now What? 
Thank you for this inspiring reminder! It’s a litt
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