What is the Purpose of Joy? Navigating Life’s Challenges with Power and Trust
What is the purpose of joy? This post is all about how you can use joy to navigate the chaos that comes in life.
Alright, I’ll be the first to admit that I used to roll my eyes at the idea of having a “life of endless joy.” But have you ever wondered what’s the real scoop behind joy?
I’m going to tell you a secret:
Joy and happiness are not the same thing.
Happiness is a fleeting emotion that you can have more often with practice. Joy is what enables happiness. Joy is trust that your life is for your benefit, and it can serve as the heartbeat of your life.
Today, we’re talking about why that heartbeat is so important and how to start finding it. It is a journey that’s both enlightening and fun, and it pairs up with trust and purpose to create a life that’s truly amazing!
This post is all about what is the purpose of joy and how to find it
What is the Purpose of Joy?
1. Joy Helps You Feel More Supported
Imagine joy as the universe, God, whatever you believe, saying, “I’ve got your back.” It is so empowering to believe that the world is on your side instead of against you! Like with any relationship, you will see what you are looking for. If you look for things to stress you out, they are easy to find. However, you will find it so much easier to relax and be happy if you recognize everything that is going well in your life! Research shows that practicing gratitude, like with a gratitude journal, can increase the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain. So, when you jot down those little wins, you’re basically giving your brain a boost of joy and trust in the goodness of life.
2. Joy Makes it Easier to Deal with Life’s Curveballs
Life’s a rollercoaster, but here’s the cool part: joy’s like your emotional seatbelt. When you experience joy, your brain releases endorphins, those natural stress-busters. Studies indicate that these endorphins help build emotional resilience, making it easier to deal with life’s challenges. So, joy isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s your secret weapon against stress and uncertainty.
It also provides a perspective that helps you move through difficult times. When we lost our one-week old son, one powerful thought helped me get through that dark time: “He was given to me to be a blessing, not a trial.” Even though it was difficult to be happy for a long time, the joy in that statement helped me so much. Try to find your mantra that will help you get through those harder times.
{Related Post: 7 QUICK WAYS TO ADD SOMETHING JOYFUL TO A HARD DAY }
3. Joy Opens You to Connections
My first time in Texas, I parked at a grocery store and was about to get out when I noticed a woman walking towards my car. I was terrified, locked the door, and prayed she would just walk by. My heart was beating a million miles a minute as she knocked on my window and I barely cracked open the window. She said, “Your license plate isn’t from around here! Did you move or are you visiting?” I told her we were moving, to which she replied, “Congratulations! Welcome to Texas!” and she walked into the store while I sat in pleasantly stunned silence.
Sometimes we forget that the world is full of a lot of kind people. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be careful, but joy helps you trust in the goodness of people. It helps open you to friendships and interactions that can add so much meaning into your life. Try greeting strangers more often or even just smiling! We could all use a few more friendly faces 🙂
{Related Post: FINDING PURPOSE IN YOUR LIFE: 5 ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS FOR EXPANDING LIFE’S MOMENTS }
4. Joy’s Your Forgiveness Coach
Forgiving is often difficult, but joy can be your guide. Scientific studies suggest that experiencing positive emotions can lead to increased empathy and a more forgiving attitude. Trusting that life’s got your back can shift your perspective, making it easier to let go of grudges and move towards forgiveness.
This can be true whether you are forgiving another person, the universe, or even yourself. Life isn’t supposed to run flawlessly like an endlessly rehearsed dance! It is easier to forgive when we trust that hard times, whether self-inflicted or caused by others, will ultimately make our lives better than we imagined.
5. Joy Reminds You That Happiness Is Now
Joy isn’t a far-off destination; it is a form of transportation. It can be the shoes you wear as you climb in your career or the boat that carries you through emotional storms. It doesn’t change the challenge, but it’s definitely better than being barefoot or swimming!
Research shows that cultivating positive emotions can lead to improved overall well-being and a more optimistic outlook on life. Trusting that life’s unfolding for your benefit encourages you to embrace joy in the present moment. It allows you to shift your focus from the rocks under your feet to the beautiful view around you. Start trying to look for excuses to be happy. I promise you will be able to see that beautiful view better.
{Related Post: 10 WAYS TO FIND MORE HAPPINESS }
So, how do you begin this life of joy-filled adventure? Start by wrapping your mind around the idea that life’s on your team. Boost your joy with a gratitude journal to give those brain chemicals a nudge. Dive into activities that light up your world, all while trusting that life’s got a plan that’s tailor-made for you.
Practice wearing joy like your favorite pair of shoes, and infuse every experience with purpose and trust. As you ride this wave of joy, backed by science and the belief in life’s benevolence, you will find yourself on a journey that’s not just exciting, but deeply fulfilling. It’s a breathtaking view that the world designed just for you!
If you want to learn more about living a joyful life of purpose then check out these posts:
– WHY IS JOY SO IMPORTANT? 5 HONEST REASONS WHY JOY IS WORTH YOUR EFFORT
– 7 QUESTIONS TO START FINDING PURPOSE IN LIFE