Next letter up for the A-Z challenge of Positive Personality Traits is J - and J is for Joy. I've already covered happiness in my post on the letter H, but joy is different to happiness. Joy is a certainty within our inner most being that arises from knowing we are loved and valued and worthwhile. It is about being centred and at peace with your life and the circumstances you find yourself in.
So many people are mired in despair and desperation. They are overwhelmed by where they find themselves and don't know what to do about it. Often there is an expectation that life should be better than it is and the disappointment that comes from living a less than perfect life robs us of the joy that should be a part of our everyday experience.
As I get older (and wiser - hopefully) I've come to see that life is never perfect, there are moments when it all seems to come together, but these are balanced by the tougher times when we struggle to understand why things are going pear shaped. Loved ones suffer, we are beset by problems, jobs are lost, people let us down, the list goes on and on. Understanding that life is made up of the good, the bad, and the ugly helps us see that there will be ups and downs and circumstances shouldn't control our core values.
Centering ourselves and knowing who we are in our hearts means we aren't tossed about so much by the waves of life. Having a strong faith can make a huge difference in this area - knowing you are loved by God and He has your best interests at heart gives a peace and joy that "surpasses all understanding". Faith can be a big part of joy, but it's not the only well we draw from. Being valued by those who love us, having a sense of purpose, rising above difficult circumstances, learning from our mistakes, finding our place in the world, all these and more help to build an inner reservoir of joy.
Joy stems from accepting life isn't perfect and keeping our expectations to a minimum. Being surprised by joy is a wonderful thing, but living with a constant sense of joy is what we should all be aiming for. To have joy dwelling within you every day, despite your circumstances is the ultimate reward for having weathered life's ups and downs.
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Letting go of expectations and perfectionism ..... Yes! K for Kindness will be a popular AtoZ I think, Leanne! ;)
ReplyDeletehttps://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2016/04/11/me-in-the-middle-of-atozchallenge-i/
I agree Mary Lou - it will be interesting to see how everyone tackles it - I haven't seen many joy posts and I thought there'd be heaps.
DeleteJoy is a wonderful thing to have in your life. Definitely a positive!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine a life without joy at its centre Karen - it would be a very grey world indeed.
DeleteHope your day is a joyful one...Came in form Collection Texas Gal. If you fine the time stop in for a cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteI'll be over for that coffee and to check out your blog Dora - thanks for the visit :)
DeleteI love the emphasis on the meaning of joy in your post. It's so true. It really is a feeling all on its own. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeletethanks Andrea - I truly believe that joy is different to happiness - it is an inner quality that radiates.
DeleteWhat a wonderful trait to have. And it's an important one. Finding Joy when all the chips are down can be difficult for some. That's when they need their friends the most.
ReplyDeleteMary
#AtoZChallenge J is for Jewel
I think that's so true Mary - our joy can be enhanced by the love and support of others - especially in tough times.
DeleteJoy is such an important trait and one that is often hard to achieve. I try to find a little joy each day through meditation and yoga.
ReplyDeleteTaking time to meditate and quiet your mind allows joy to seep through doesn't it Shari?
DeleteWonderful... "To have joy dwelling within you every day, despite your circumstances..." :)
ReplyDeletethat's my aim in life Zeljka :)
DeleteJoy. I think Joy is linked with gratitude. One flows into the other.
ReplyDeleteMelanie Schulz from
Melanie Schulz.com
I agree Melanie - joy, happiness, gratitude and kindness all link together to make a whole.
DeleteFaith is a big game changer and it really helps to get that inner peace which in turn brings joy. Of course the other factors are equally important as you pointed out!
ReplyDeleteOne more great post :)
(We both have based our posts on the same word 'Joy' :))
Cheers,
Srivi - AtoZChallenge
J for Joy | Twitter
I noticed that we're both posting on Joy Srivi - it's obviously an important quality :)
DeleteI feel joyful every time I go for a walk in the morning. I've been making it a practice to listen to bird songs. It's soothing.
ReplyDeleteI think it's about being in the moment Rebecca and letting all the little niggling annoyances fade away.
DeleteI love the quote, "Joy stems from knowing life isn't perfect". That says it all. Lovely post as usual Leanne!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rena - it's great having you back and you are a lovely example of that quote :)
DeleteYears ago, someone said: 'be a joyful woman'. Loved it then. Love it now. Life is about finding the joy. Thank you for this, Leanne!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be lovely if we were all described as joyful women Diane - what a legacy to leave :)
DeleteFor some, joy comes naturally. For others, a little thought and mindfulness brings it out. A nice post for morning today!
ReplyDeleteCarol Cassara
www.carolcassara.com
Thanks Carol - personality and your attitude to life definitely makes it easier for some to find their joy - but we've all got it there waiting to be discovered :)
DeleteI agree, as we get older I do hope that we are all better able to center myself and not be tossed so much by all the things that happen everyday to derail you.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the secret Rosie - not letting the waves of life affect you so much that you lose your inner peace and joy. We do get better at it with age I'm sure!
DeleteI've met quite a lot of people who don't have the "joy" gene in them. Kind of sad, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteToday's world sucks it out of some people Brenda, and others just don't have the capacity to look for it and develop it - definitely sad (for them and those around them).
DeleteSome people find joy in the smallest and most unexpected things - and others have to search for joy. Whichever way it goes, joy is a VITAL ingredient for every day, I say!
ReplyDeleteI agree Sheryl - life can be really tough at times and if we have an inner centre of joy and an appreciation for the little things in life then we have the capacity to move through it all and maintain our peace.
DeleteI count my blessings everyday that I get to see 'joy' in children's faces in my daycare. They haven't had life beat them down yet and only know pure expression. Best job in the world!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Finnell
@randallbychance from
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanies Stuff
I love babies and small children for that exact reason Stephanie - that uninhibited inner joy that just shines out - it doesn't take much to make them happy :)
DeleteI feel joy Leanne when I'm with my grandson. My heart literally fills with joy. There is a difference between Joy and Happiness so I'm glad you included both in A-Z. I felt joyful reading this post love your work!
ReplyDeleteI think small children have such a delight in life and that rubs off on those around them - especially grandparents (we get the fun bits and that brings even more joy!)
DeleteJoy is a feeling separate from being happy. I agree. Joy comes from the simple things I feel. Time with grandchildren, walks with our pets, a simple hand holding by a loved one. You are doing a great job on these. Love reading.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle (compliments bring me joy - and make me happy!) I agree that joy is all about those special little moments of connection.
DeleteJoy is such a great word! I try to find joy in everything I do. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful word for sure!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are so joyful - I think it's an absolute gift to be able to find joy every day :)
DeleteYes, absolutely, we must relish each and every moment in the present and let go of the stuff that holds us back.
ReplyDeleteEstelle
So true Estelle - living in the present, not holding on to bad things and appreciating all the good we have in life are all secrets to living joyfully.
DeleteTo find joy in small things will help us through the rough times. Three of my favourite Mantras:
ReplyDelete"Things could always be worse."
"It's only temporary."
"Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."
Great mantras Debbie - and so true, we need to realize how blessed we are and that we grow from tough times - when we learn to appreciate things we become more joyful.
DeleteThanks for ones marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will
ReplyDeleteoften come back later in life. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice holiday weekend!