A fundamental difference between happiness and joy: happiness is contingent; joy is a choice. We are human, and emotions and disappointments sometimes overwhelm our vision, but we have the choice to seek joy, even in our sufferings. I don’t remember this nearly often enough.
I’m not Pollyanna. I don’t judge myself for missing the joy in the hardest times. But it *might* be there, and it would probably help if I sought it rather than being overwhelmed by emotions.
Nodding at the "not perfect, but sounds wonderful." My wife still has her childhood violin--doesn't play, doesn't plan to, and I'm a reeds guy--and it is less than full size and has a big split and so is worthless on the market; but to my ear, it has sung beautifully on the rare occasions when someone has tried to play it.
Reminds me of some people I have known, and am thankful for, in my life.
Hallo Tripp, I am enjoying your writing, so kudos for you! I can say I have experienced total, unprovoked joy only a few times in my 65yrs on earth. It felt so great, washed over me, such a incredible rush. Otherworldly. I will continue to try to be a good person. I will continue to pray. I think that’s the best way to be, but I don’t think any of it is related. I don’t know, maybe it is.
Hey there. Thanks so much for the comment. Joy, awe...compassion, I think they are skills to be learned, disciplines to practice as well. But, yeah, trying to be good...that’s where I am these days, too.
I am just a lady living in a RV. I am living a simple life and try not to get caught up in the negativity. My most recent experience with pure joy was a day like any other. I was driving home from chores and was struck with overwhelming joy. Just pure. Not related to anything I had done. Pure.
Tripp, I really appreciate how you refuse to give in to the stigma of mental illness. I think we should have a Coming Out Day for everyone who has experienced a mental illness, and I am trying to be as courageous as you and speak publicly about getting treatment, which I do; I take medication for anxiety, and it helps a lot. As with sexual orientation, it's ultimately no one's business what illnesses one has had and what one has done about them, so no shade on those who want to keep it private. But those of us who can and wish to come out chip away at the stigma.
A fundamental difference between happiness and joy: happiness is contingent; joy is a choice. We are human, and emotions and disappointments sometimes overwhelm our vision, but we have the choice to seek joy, even in our sufferings. I don’t remember this nearly often enough.
I’m not Pollyanna. I don’t judge myself for missing the joy in the hardest times. But it *might* be there, and it would probably help if I sought it rather than being overwhelmed by emotions.
#PreachingToMyself
Nodding at the "not perfect, but sounds wonderful." My wife still has her childhood violin--doesn't play, doesn't plan to, and I'm a reeds guy--and it is less than full size and has a big split and so is worthless on the market; but to my ear, it has sung beautifully on the rare occasions when someone has tried to play it.
Reminds me of some people I have known, and am thankful for, in my life.
That’ll preach!
Hallo Tripp, I am enjoying your writing, so kudos for you! I can say I have experienced total, unprovoked joy only a few times in my 65yrs on earth. It felt so great, washed over me, such a incredible rush. Otherworldly. I will continue to try to be a good person. I will continue to pray. I think that’s the best way to be, but I don’t think any of it is related. I don’t know, maybe it is.
Hey there. Thanks so much for the comment. Joy, awe...compassion, I think they are skills to be learned, disciplines to practice as well. But, yeah, trying to be good...that’s where I am these days, too.
I am just a lady living in a RV. I am living a simple life and try not to get caught up in the negativity. My most recent experience with pure joy was a day like any other. I was driving home from chores and was struck with overwhelming joy. Just pure. Not related to anything I had done. Pure.
Soooo did you buy that beauty? Or is it still aspirational?
Ha! I did not. I need to save up.
Tripp, I really appreciate how you refuse to give in to the stigma of mental illness. I think we should have a Coming Out Day for everyone who has experienced a mental illness, and I am trying to be as courageous as you and speak publicly about getting treatment, which I do; I take medication for anxiety, and it helps a lot. As with sexual orientation, it's ultimately no one's business what illnesses one has had and what one has done about them, so no shade on those who want to keep it private. But those of us who can and wish to come out chip away at the stigma.