3/14/05: Happiness vs. Joy

When we have the things we want, we are happy. When we want the things we have, we are joyful. "Happy" is a state of mind, most often attained by getting things outside of yourself. "Joy" is a state of being, most often realized by knowing yourself.

Joy emanates from deep within you. It shines out for the world to see. You cannot be joyful and appear sad, even if you frowned. It is not in the way you physically look on the outside, it is in the way you radiate outward from within.

When you are happy, you often think only of yourself and your happiness. When you are joyful, you think of ways to spread your joy and share it with others. This is ironic since joy is contagious in and of itself. Have you ever stood next to a truly joyful person? They need not say a word and you are already feeling more joyful. When they leave, you can sometimes feel your energy drop.   

Strive for joy; become it and radiate it. When you strive for happiness, you are chasing a moving target that changes with your whims. When you strive for joy, you are becoming the target.