Blessings ... of Joy

As a full-time mother, I consider motherhood a divine blessing. The first giggle, the first smile, the first laughter, the first steps—each of these precious moments bring immense joy that nothing else can replace. A warm embrace from my partner holds its own irreplaceable comfort. Now that my children are grown, even a simple phone call from them reminds me how blessed I am. At home, the affectionate gaze of my dog, Jasmine, adds another layer of happiness. All these blessings are what truly define joy.

For me, joy is not just an emotion; it’s an essential part of life. It’s a profound, positive feeling that brings happiness, fulfilment, and delight. Joy goes beyond fleeting moments of pleasure, offering us a sense of appreciation for life’s beauty, even in challenging times. When we are filled with joy, it radiates outward, spreading warmth in relationships and positivity in every aspect of life. After all, who doesn’t want to be around people who carry an aura of joy?

There’s a saying: "Joy is the best makeup – no filter needed." This resonates deeply with me. In today’s world, where superficial beauty often takes precedence, joy stands as a lasting form of self-care. It enhances not only our appearance but also our relationships with those we care about, offering a lasting sense of purpose and connection.

But how are Happiness and Joy different? Happiness and joy are often intertwined, but they have distinct qualities. While happiness can be fleeting, often influenced by external circumstances, joy is deeper and more enduring. Happiness may arise from achievements, events, or situations, but joy springs from within, independent of those external factors. Joy has the power to persist even through challenges.

People often confuse joy with pleasure, chasing material possessions in search of joy. However, pleasure is temporary, while joy offers lasting fulfilment. It’s important to recognize the difference between the two in order to cultivate a life filled with deeper contentment.

I once read a story about a wise old gardener. His garden was small, yet beautiful and well-maintained. One day, a young boy passing by was captivated by the beauty of the garden and sat down with the gardener. He asked, "Why do some gardens flourish, while others wither?" The gardener replied, “It’s a combination of the right soil, sunlight, water, and caring for the roots that makes a garden thrive.”

The gardener's words hold a powerful truth. Just like flowers, we too need strong roots to bloom. Our joy requires nourishment from within. It is something we cultivate, not something we can acquire externally.

Despite having so much, many of us struggle to find joy. We often get lost in negative self-talk, self-doubt, unrealistic expectations, or the desire to control others. We may hold onto grudges or find it hard to accept our own weaknesses. These obstacles, our inner demons, prevent us from experiencing true fulfilment and joy.

I fully agree with the saying, "Nobody can be happy and joyful all the time." There are moments when joy feels elusive or irrelevant, and sometimes we push it aside, believing it’s not the right time for it. Life, with all its unpredictability, will continue to happen, bringing challenges along the way. However, by cultivating the habit of seeking joy in every situation, we can learn to navigate even the most difficult circumstances with greater ease and grace.

In a world that can feel overwhelming, we still have the incredible opportunity to shine our light and share our joy with others. Joy is infectious. When we start by loving ourselves, it becomes easier to extend that love to others. Cultivating joy is a journey, one that requires a shift in mindset and a bit of effort.

Believe me, the rewards are worth it. A life filled with joy brings lasting fulfilment and a deeper sense of purpose.