Unlike happiness, which can sometimes seem like a far-off, distant, end-state, joy is about being in the moment. And joy doesn’t just make us feel good. According to Mental Health America, it can lower anxiety, decrease stress hormones, promote heart health and even lessen pain.
Though we can of course find joy in solitude, there is also a fundamental aspect to it. As Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Dr George Vaillant put it, “joy is all about our connection to others.” Vaillant is the lead researcher of Harvard’s famous Grant Study, a 75-year longitudinal effort to identify predictors of health and well-being. And what Vaillant’s team found is that, more important than our genes, or money or fame, is that close relationships are built on joy…
The past two years have been a crucible time of sorrow and loss. And our future is gong to continue to be defined by uncertainty and disruption. That’s why we need to seek out the power of joy more than ever. So find whatever it is that gives you joy, or creates glimmers that delight you — in moments big and small — and light the spark.
— Arianna Huffington, excerpt from her article published April 1 2022 (Founder and CEO at Thrive)
I was just challenging myself with this yesterday. How do I find more joy, given the state of the world (ongoing pandemic, the war, concerning levels of violence, escalating cost of living/housing, a lack of private company pensions, political polarization etc). I’m still working on it, but I figure step one is to make a tangible list of what brings me joy. Off the top of my head; spending quality time with friends and loved ones, live entertainment/sporting events, swimming (especially outside in the warm sunshine), travel (especially to warm, beach’y destinations), animals, the ocean, music, fashion/finding treasured garments at consignment stores, watching movies (especially heart-warming, inspirational stories), giving to others etc. Step two, make a commitment to create joyful moments each day, however small (like petting an animal). Seems do-able, right? Just sayin’ :) Hugs. XO
Blessings,
Chatgirl
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