I am happy to be a part of this contest organized by @hive-106183 in shine with steem community. This contest will teach us a lot and inspire someone so i invite @victorlives @johnmitchel @samuelernest to join me in this contest.
WHAT REALLY BRINGS ME JOY THESE DAYS WHEN EMOTIONS HAVE BEEN RUNNING HIGH?
One of my greatest joy is derived from being able to give to others and care for them, also spending time with my family and loved ones brings untold joy and peace to my soul and keeps me at ease.
HAVE YOU EVER FELT IN YOUR LIFE THAT LITERALLY NOTHING YOU DO OR HAVE DONE GIVES YOU A FEELING OF HAPPINESS OR JOY?
I want to believe that there is always that moment in a person's life where he/she feels nothing he does or have already done gives him that feeling of being happy or joyous of which i am also inclusive amongst those that have experienced this feeling.
There was a time in my life where due to the struggles and hustles of life to give myself a good and healthy source of income and improve my way of living, i had to be involved in several legal jobs, one of which i couldn't get that feeling of joy and happiness from it because getting a positive outcome didn't seem possible, making it seem like my effort was in vain. I persisted despite the disappointment and i pulled through. Here i am today, not giving up no matter what.
IS JOY A BETTER EMOTION THAN HAPPINESS?
Joy is a deeper emotion than happiness, it comes from within. It lasts longer than happiness. It is an inner feeling of the heart and soul that can radiate happiness. Joy is something you have to discover for yourself, it is a sacrifice while happiness is a pleasure. Indestructible self-esteem and self-respect is achieved with joy.
Finally, With these and the hope we have according to Psalms 30 vs 11, i would say that joy is a better feeling than happiness.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO CONVEY YOUR JOY OF LIVING?
There are quite some things that indulges me, a few of them are:
◇ I reminisce over happy memories with the people i have encountered and are closer to me. Remembering and talking about those memories and good times with them gives me this joyous feeling because it draws me closer to them and boosts my self-confidence.
◇ I listen to music and dance along with it especially if i am at home.
◇ I give because giving gives a joyous sense and i make the people around me to feel the same way. When i mean giving, i don't only refer to material things. Making a person laugh genuinely and whole heartedly, doing the little things you can do to brighten someone's day is referred to as "giving" as well because you have elevated the person's mode thereby making he/she happy or joyous and that could create a lasting happy memory.
◇ Showing gratitude: one can experience joy in the midst of sadness or anxiety because joy is a choice and a feeling of the heart, so being grateful for either the things you have or for an act of kindness from someone or for being alive, shows forth joy which can make me convey it to the next person.
◇ Most importantly, i do what i love.
ARE HAPPINESS AND JOY THE SAME THING?
Most people tend to use these two words interchangeably but they provide totally different experiences and feelings, so i wouldn't say that they are the same, reasons being that happiness is triggered by the happenings of the moment that brings forth excitement WHILE joy is a state of feeling surrounded by satisfaction and contentment which lasts longer than happiness. Happiness is an emotional moment that gives a pleasant feeling.
One can be happy but not joyful and vice versa. Joy is stronger. Personal sacrifice portrays selflessness and joy triggers this emotion. Joy checks one's life for authenticity and transparency. Joy is a feeling of fulfilment and contentment even in difficult situations.
Conclusively, you must work towards identifying or figuring your strengths and values, what you are good at and learn to be in alignment with them inorder to have joy.
Thanks for reading and learning a thing or two.