I was listening to an interview on the radio and the guest talked about what brought him happiness and what brought him joy. I had never thought about the difference between the two.
I went online later to buy my duck tickets for the Estes Park Duck Race (an annual fund-raiser for non-profits in the community) and the landing page stated:
Joy . . . that feeling of wonderful delight you receive when you do something for others . . .and it ends up making you feel joyful as well! The essence of the Rotary Duck Race Festival is to support PEOPLE HELPING OTHER PEOPLE . . . Adopt a Duck…the more Duck Adoptions you purchase . . .the more JOY you spread around!
What IS the difference between happiness and joy? Both are emotions when one feels contentment or satisfaction. The difference may be based on the cause and the nature of the feeling. The distinction may or may not be important but interesting to consider.
Happiness can range from bliss to pleasure by luck or good fortune. Joy is stronger and less common, and usually results in feeling connected to a higher power or with people such as suggested by the intrinsic benefits of contributing to the Duck Race.
The causes of happiness usually are earthly experiences or objects–an outward expression of emotion in the moment. It can be experienced from any good activity, food, or company. I am happy, for example, biting into a juicy apple. Hearing a beautiful piece of music can make me happy.
Joy comes from caring for others, gratitude, and thankfulness. I feel joy when I volunteer at Rocky Mountain National Park. I feel joy when I am part of a group making music. Joy often is based on a spiritual or heartfelt connection. I am happy to see the first bluebird of spring; watching the birds swarming my feeders on a cold snowy day brings me joy.
Adela Rogers St. John suggested, “Joy seems to me a step beyond happiness—happiness is a sort of atmosphere you can live in sometimes when you’re lucky. Joy is a light that fills you with hope and faith and love.”
In these times, happiness and joy are elusive with the horrific world situation. Further, differentiating and defining happiness and joy may not be necessary. The purpose of life, however, is in living and finding happiness and joy regardless of what the day brings. I am grateful for the fleeting moments that make me smile, and even more grateful for the joyful opportunities to associate with other like-minded people as well as to connect with something greater than myself.
This post was timely for me, so I appreciate your musings. It’s a very good topic, and something everyone should consider.
As usual, you hit the nail on the head. I never thought of those unique differences between happiness and joy. So great to experience either and both of those feelings and feel luck whenever I do so. Thanks, Karla. ANNE.
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