November 4, 2024: Find Your Joy!
"Joy is everywhere; it is in the earth's green covering of grass; in the blue serenity of the sky; in the reckless exuberance of spring; in the severe abstinence of gray winter; in the living flesh that animates our bodily frame; in the perfect poise of the human figure, noble and upright; in living, in the exercise of all our powers; in the acquisition of knowledge; in fighting evils... Joy is there everywhere." ⁃ Rabindranath Tagore
If we believe the declaration that "Joy is everywhere," why do so many live joyless lives? How does this most sought after feeling elude so many? Are they looking in the wrong places; trying to find Joy where there is none? Socioeconomic status seems to have little to do with it. There are wealthy, middle income, and low income people who are full of joy. Likewise, there are very bitter individuals who fall into these same three categories. Most of us can probably call to mind someone we know who seems to live life joyfully. Is there any commonality between those who have found a way to have joy in their lives, and those who have not? In my 82 years on the planet, I have encountered many people who reside on both sides of the Joy Spectrum, so here's my take. People who seem to have an inner joy inspite of life's tragedies, life's uncertainties and life's dangers have a healthy respect for the things in life that are beyond their control; they don't take life too seriously. Secondly, they don't take themselves too seriously. They are able to make mistakes and not beat themselves up for being human. Thirdly, they find ways to be of service to others with either their time, talent, or treasure. They help those who are less fortunate than themselves. So, accepting those aspects of life that are beyond our control, allowing ourselves to make mistakes and yet keep on trying, and working to better the lives of others, without expectation of reward, these main three, to cover this broad topic, succinctly, will take all of us a long way toward achieving the joy that is all around us just waiting for us to claim it. Remove yourself from the center of everything and let Joy find you.
© 2024 Detroit Flanagan
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