The world is still spinning and filled with atrocities, but today I choose joy. The sun is shining; the birds are singing, and spring is in the air. Yes, we need to be awake, aware, and take action in ways that we can…but for today I choose joy. Interestingly enough, joy and happiness are not the same. Semantics, you may say? Well, no, not really. Fundamentally, they really are different. Joy is a radical act of resistance!
Webster tells me that joy is a deep and lasting state of contentment that persists regardless of circumstances, while happiness is driven by positive events or pleasures, is fleeting, and is an external emotion. Happiness comes and goes; joy remains constant and is internal. There is a deep connection between peace and joy. They are within us, not without. Peace, interconnected with joy, is internal serenity, while joy expresses the tranquility within.
If those beautiful souls wrapped in saffron robes taught me anything during their trek across the country, it is that I can choose. I can choose peace, and inevitably I have discovered, joy follows. Every day requires a conscious choice, but wrapping my mornings in gratitude transforms the day.
One of my favorite books is “The Book of Joy,” with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Archbishop says, “It’s wonderful to discover that what we want is not actually happiness. It is not actually what I would speak of. I would speak of joy. Joy subsumes happiness. Joy is the far greater thing.”
Adekemi and Ibukun Gorilla are a mother-daughter duo featured in an International Women’s Day celebration article by Aisha Ife, who is a photographer and artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. Her work is purposeful and stunning! Adekemi is a shopkeeper and mother whose focus is on her family and her business. Ibukun is her daughter. Mother and daughter are close and enjoy discussing topics like joy.
“Joy means a lot of things to me, one of them is being at peace with myself, being at peace with everything that concerns me; my mental health and my emotional state of mind etc. Joy to me is listening to good music and creating a full dance concert in my head. Joy to me is being around my dog and wondering why he adores me so much. Joy to me is being in love and being loved right back with the perfect amount of energy. Joy is being around my family and feeling safe.” Ibukun
Mother and daughter celebrate joy through simple acts like family time, enjoying literature, and giving and receiving love.
Finding joy during tumultuous times requires a mental shift that intentionally cultivates peace within, independent of circumstances. Practicing gratitude for even our small blessings, connecting with others, practicing little acts of kindness, finding and engaging in uplifting activities like time in nature, music, dancing, creating art or long walks, plus self compassion are all tools for enabling that joy.
I wish you peace and joy today and throughout the week ahead.
The book came out in 2017. and this interview is around the same time…but timeless.
