Can we be Joyful despite being unhappy?
The “holiday season” can be a season of sadness for many. Whether it is the sight of a dysfunctional family under a “Seasons Greetings” magnifying glass, or our tender thoughts of loved-ones no longer here to celebrate with us; happiness disappears from the ‘holly days’ and instead we find sad days, under the tree.
I believe that happiness and joy are not synonyms. Happiness is a transient, fickle friend who comes and goes. Joy is that true friend who is with us – always.
I wrote this message to a friend today who lost her husband this year. I thought that I would share the message with you:
Remember, despite the transient nature of our fickle friends, “Happiness” and her evil twin, “Unhappiness”, we must recognize these are but temporary states of being. They are with us to teach us lessons about ourselves.
It is our true friend, “Joy” who is permanently near us - never to be far from our presence. “Joy” simply waits, patiently and lovingly, until we are ready to embrace her with all our might. Once Joy is fully embedded in our heart, we will have Joy, forever as a part of our essential being.
Cry, laugh, despair or dream, “Joy” will never, never let us down. In the end she is our salvation as we learn to live with the gifts of “Joy, Love, Peace and Patience”, as we navigate our path of life. These gifts I wish for you today, the New Year and for always.
– eKim
Ps Joy reveals herself to us when we pause, hit the re-wind button of our life and look at all the beauty and wonder with which we have been blessed. The overwhelming quantity of our blessings will help us get through our difficult times.