Choosing Joy

‘Joy is not in things; it is in us’ – Richard Wagner

Choosing joy in a world filled with reasons to despair is an act of quiet courage and resilience. It doesn’t mean we are blind to sorrow or deny the suffering around us. Rather, it means that we open our hearts to beauty and connection in spite of it. Joy still blooms – in nature, in love, in music and art – and it offers us a lifeline, a deeper meaning, and a reason to keep going. Experiencing joy when fear and division are widespread doesn’t make us naive. It actually strengthens our spirit so we can continue to live on purpose.

There is a subtle difference between joy and happiness. Joy can co-exist with grief for example, whilst happiness comes and goes depending on the situation. We’ve all experienced the sense of joy that comes in moments of presence and meaning and connection to others as well as something greater than ourselves.

Humans are creative beings. Allowing that creativity to express itself in whatever form feels right – music, art, dance, writing, etc – touches something timeless and joyful within us and nourishes the soul.

And then there’s the kind of joy that comes from aligning with our truth or soul purpose. We may not even recognise that connection in the moment, but it can feel like coming home to yourself even when the outer world is chaotic.

Finding ways to cultivate joy daily is so beneficial for our mind, body and spirit. We’re always talking about the importance of spending time in nature, but it is one of the simplest ways to be present and connect to the joy within us. I find I can still my mind by just listening to the birds and the breeze through the trees. It’s a reminder to go within and it doesn’t need to be more complicated than a mindful walk savouring beauty or unplugged time journalling or meditating. Try writing down three things that bring you joy and do at least one of them tomorrow, even if it’s just for a short time.