Joy is empowering and defining. Having a significant impact on your mental health, joy is not only beneficial for you but for others around you. Some see it synonymous with happiness; however, joy is more profound in personal contentment and immense satisfaction. Johnson (2020) states, “Joy involves changes in visual perception (colors seem brighter), motor behavior (physical movements feel freer and easier, smiling happens involuntarily), and there are characteristic changes in cognition (thinking and attention are broadened and exercised in creative ways).” So, if joy positively affects us in such ways, why do we not express it more?
As humans, we look for things, people, and ideas to make us happy. Happiness can last for a moment and then quickly fade away. Joy, on the other hand, is a decisive lifestyle. I am reminded of a time in my life when I felt hopeless and defeated. I had convinced myself that my current situation was how my life would always be. Just as I began to come to an agreement with that lie, my mind was rescued by a simple charge in the book of Philippians, “Think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) The list includes things that were pure, commendable, lovely, and admirable. Once I began to shift my thinking, I began to feel the redemptive result deep within. Instead of seeing the bad, with intentionality I looked for the good. My entire disposition changed. Not only could I see my present and future as bright, but I could see it for others as well.
I had a person tell me once, “I was beside you at a traffic light. You did not see me, but I saw you. Do you realize that you wear a smile all the time? Even when driving, you were just smiling. That was impacting for me as I was driving in to work.” That comment was priceless. When there is inward joy, there is outward demonstration that not only empowers you but others around you.
I encourage you to choose joy. The benefits of that decision will change your atmosphere. Stand firm. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela
References
English Standard Bible. (2016). Literal Word. https://esv.literalword.com Johnson, M. K. (2020). Joy: a review of the literature and suggestions for future directions. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1685581