What is Joy?

Deb Halvorson

We all know life is hard, messy, and full of adversity. Not many will argue with that. But what is it that continues to move us forward in spite of the hard times and adversity? It is JOY. Joy gives us the courage to look adversity in the face and say “Not today.”

So, what's your joy? My joy is made up of many, many little things such as: listening to "Thunder Road" by Springsteen; watching Game of Thrones; playing Rook with my family; sipping my favorite tea; coming into an air-conditioned room on a hot day; crawling into bed on “clean sheet night.”  

"Joy is the frequency of positive experiences" writes Sheryl Sandberg in her book Option B. Because we are all wired to focus more on life’s negative moments and events, our recognition of joy must be intentional.

This week, let’s intentionally focus on our joy. Let’s write down or acknowledge at least four moments of joy experienced this week. Joy is powerful. Joy is strength. Joy moves us forward.

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