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Are you happy? Are you content with you state in life? Do you have real joy? If not, why not? Do you think more 'things' would make you happy? A new dress, a new car. Being out of debt...more money! What would it take?
A rich tycoon was once asked how much money would it take to make him happy? His reply was, "Just a little more...."
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines 'happiness' as a state of well-being and contentment.
It defines 'joy' as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
Little children are a good example of happiness. Children are happy. They laugh, play, and are content with their life, until we adults start pushing our values and ideologies on them. Did you ever notice at Christmas time a small child can be just as happy with the box the toy came in and he is with the toy?
We live in a materialistic society. We think we need 'things' to make us happy. To some extent, that is true. If the sun is shining we are happy. If it rains we are sad. If we have a little money in our pocket we are happy. If the wallet is empty, we are sad. If we get a new car we are happy. If the neighbor gets a new car, and we can't afford one, we are sad...
Much of our happiness is influenced by outside circumstances.
A few months ago I took my first journey outside the USA. I visited what we call 'third world countries'. (where did we get that definition?) I didn't visit the typical 'tourist attractions', but, chose to live among the everyday people.
The one thing that really made an impression on my mind was that, although most of the people lived day by day. They were some of the most joyful people I have ever been around. There was laughter, smiles, and respect. Many of them had found the meaning of true happiness and joy.
There is a vast difference in 'happiness' and 'joy'.
Joy is an 'inside' job. Joy does not depend on what you have or do not have, but what you know. What do you think about these statements and true joy?
Circumstances-If you are not happy with your circumstances, you have the power to change them...an 'inside' joy.
Contentment- To be content doesn't mean there is no room for improvement and that you don't want to do better. It simply means that you are at peace with the way things are. You are going to do more, and learn more, but, at the present moment, you have 'inside' joy.
Peace of Mind- Peace of mind is knowing in your heart that everything is alright between you and God, and you and your fellowman. If it isn't, you have the power to change that...an 'inside' joy.
Love- Love is a choice. I tell my children, "You don't fall in love." "You fall in 'mud puddles".' You chose to love someone. You can chose to love or not love someone...again, an 'inside' joy.
Now! If you are not happy, you can do something about it. That is your choice. Not happy with your circumstances? Change them. Not content? Learn how to be. No peace of mind? Get your heart right, and you will find peace of mind. No love? You must first learn to love yourself. When you truly learn to love yourself, it will be easy to love others.
The problem with what we call 'sin', or missing the mark, is the letter in the middle of the word... "I". That is an 'inside' job also.
You are welcome to comment or ask questions. I would enjoy hearing from you.
About this Author
Reuben Clark has spent many years researching and writing articles about health and nutrition. The previous owner of a vitamin/herb shop, he is now retired and spends his time writing and sharing information with others. Sign up for his free HealthWealthTips HealthWealthTips newsletter and receive a free report, 'Seven Simple Things to Improve Your Health." at http://healthwealthtips.com
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