In Joy = Enjoy

Joy, happiness, contentment. Are they all the same thing? And what’s the secret sauce to having them in your life?

Wish I had the answers to all the questions but I’ll say this— I don’t think joy, happiness, and contentment are the same thing.

To me, joy is a state of being. Happiness? That’s an emotion. It often relies on external factors or whether things are “going your way” or not. Someone or something —a situation— can take your happiness away but I sincerely believe nothing can steal your joy.

Joy is an inside job.

Joy infuses your state of being. It’s a way of moving through the world. And I believe the key to more joy is being more present, eliminating “noise,” and listening to yourself.

One isn’t better —joy or happiness— than the other, but they’re both distinct.

And on that note: Enjoy this podcast that I just had to share…

If you asked me for a list of a few of my favorite things, it would go something like this (in no particular order): reading, travel, history, podcasts, and stories. That’s why A Strong Sense of Place podcast—hosted by two of my colleagues from years past— is one of my go-to podcasts…it combines all my favorite things!

I especially enjoyed this recent episode about outer space and how we are all made of stars.