Joy. It’s one of those words we throw around like it’s simple, but anyone who’s been through tough times knows it’s anything but. What exactly is joy? Is it a fleeting smile, a deep calm, or maybe those rare moments that make your heart feel full despite everything else? The truth is, joy isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. It’s personal—unique to each of us—and discovering what sparks it inside you can be a powerful act of reclaiming your life, no matter where you’re coming from. Let’s explore what joy really means, and how you can invite more of it in on your own terms. Today, let’s talk about the general meaning of joy.
I believe joy is more than just a momentary feeling—it’s a deep emotion that, when cultivated, can lead to lasting contentment. Unlike happiness, which comes and goes depending on what’s happening around you, joy is something that stays with you no matter the circumstances. Happiness reacts to life’s ups and downs; joy transcends them. It’s a deliberate choice and a practice, not just something that happens to us. Sure, we laugh at a good joke or smile when we get a gift—those are happiness in action, triggered by external things. But joy? Joy comes from within. It’s tied to a deeper sense of purpose and connection, even in tough times. So even when your day is tough or filled with disappointment, you can still choose joy.
Happiness is simply an emotion triggered by situations, people, or thoughts, like sadness or excitement. Joy, on the other hand, lasts longer because it’s rooted in meaning and relationships, including finding purpose in suffering. It’s not dependent on circumstances and isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. Instead, joy is something we build intentionally, and it’s that steady undercurrent that keeps us grounded, even when life gets a little messy.
In the early days of my separation and pending divorce, I didn’t have happiness or joy. What I felt was confusion, pain, despair, and a real desire to just give up. But something deep inside me kept whispering, “Look for joy. Find beauty, even in the pain.” Each day felt like a struggle just to put one foot in front of the other. Still, I held tightly to my faith and kept searching for God’s beauty that’s always there, even when life hurts. Did I find joy right away? No. But the search itself kept me moving forward. Over time, that search led me to joy—then peace, contentment, and many happy days scattered throughout my journey during and after my divorce.
I hope you join me in this series on Joy. Over the coming posts, I’ll be diving deeper into what joy and happiness really mean and exploring different ways to find them. We’ll also look at how culture shapes people’s views of joy. My hope for you is that you discover that deep, lasting joy—and learn how to hold onto it, even when times get tough. It might take some effort, but the joy and beauty of God’s creation are always there, sometimes we just have to find them. I know you can, because I did.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please drop a comment below or send me a note at kathieyvwriter@gmail.com.I wish you joy in your journey!
KathieyV