My Name is Joy! What Does Joy Mean?
Hygge is Danish for an experience that is cozy,
friendly, lovely, relaxing and enjoyable, eliciting contentment.
Joy is much deeper than happiness, which no matter how awesome and fulfilling, is temporary and changeable, and often leaves us forlorn and disappointed. To experience Joy is to be immune from repetitive fear, chronic worry, and constant conundrums. Joy is a state of being deeply rooted in affirming and loving life!
Perhaps in part because it is temporary, happiness is an emotion that all of us cherish! Happiness is a luscious response to experiencing success, observing truth and beauty, having goals met and pleasing relationships shared. While ego is often an aspect of happiness, it is not present in Joy. Temporary setbacks and occasional doubts occur in everyone’s life, but such feelings are short lived, to those who know Joy.
Joy is immune to everlasting sorrow, constant despondency, and soul shattering fear. These feelings, while powerful, are shallow and soon replaced by an ever rebounding optimism and love of life. Joy exists so deep within us that it may seem unreachable, but I believe it exists potentially, if not apparent, in every human being.
When I was born over a year following the death of my infant brother, Paul, my parents were still heartbroken. But while their world had been shaken severely, they affirmed life! My arrival was not meant to erase their pain, but rather to again experience Joy. Paul’s death led them to a deeper faith in God, in themselves and in each other.
I literally brought 8 pounds of “more Joy” into the world, fresh experiences and new discoveries. Because of my name, I attempt to find—and add--Joy to the World through my life experiences and in writing. Because Joy does not exist without truth, I strive to be realistic.
Perhaps in part because it is temporary, happiness is an emotion that all of us cherish! Happiness is a luscious response to experiencing success, observing truth and beauty, having goals met and pleasing relationships shared. While ego is often an aspect of happiness, it is not present in Joy. Temporary setbacks and occasional doubts occur in everyone’s life, but such feelings are short lived, to those who know Joy.
Joy is immune to everlasting sorrow, constant despondency, and soul shattering fear. These feelings, while powerful, are shallow and soon replaced by an ever rebounding optimism and love of life. Joy exists so deep within us that it may seem unreachable, but I believe it exists potentially, if not apparent, in every human being.
When I was born over a year following the death of my infant brother, Paul, my parents were still heartbroken. But while their world had been shaken severely, they affirmed life! My arrival was not meant to erase their pain, but rather to again experience Joy. Paul’s death led them to a deeper faith in God, in themselves and in each other.
I literally brought 8 pounds of “more Joy” into the world, fresh experiences and new discoveries. Because of my name, I attempt to find—and add--Joy to the World through my life experiences and in writing. Because Joy does not exist without truth, I strive to be realistic.
April Fool!
I was also born on April Fool’s Day! Life is full of fun, puns, tricks, ironic surprises, unexpected turns and twists, jokes, nonsense and illogical ruths, all characteristic of the Joy experience. The first of April is a day that gives us humility. We are all foolish beings as well as divine creatures of God’s Divine experiment.
