When was the last time you felt joy?

Do you even know what joy is?

Can you honestly say that you have felt that deep down feeling of true joy lately?

Let me clarify something here.

Joy and fun are two totally different animals.

Fun is external. It involves outside stimuli that gives you a temporary “high” for lack of better words.

Fun can be had through watching a funny movie, hearing a joke, doing something enjoyable, etc…

“Fun is a good thing but only when it spoils nothing better.”
- George Santayana

Enter Joy

Joy comes from within. It’s that deep down pleasure-filled “completeness” that is true fulfillment.

Joy is nirvana. Joy allows you to acquire incredible happiness from your environment. When in joy, you are open to the world around you and enjoy the simple things.

“Joy is not in things. It is in us.”
- Richard Wagner

To overly simplify the concept:

Fun is external.
Joy is internal.

You search for fun.
Joy seeks you.

As long as you are occupying your mind 24/7, true joy will have a hard time finding you. Joy needs an open door. You can find this open door with a little silence and being open to it.

For example, as I’m writing this, I just sat back and was still for a few minutes. Shortly thereafter, I heard a bird singing outside my window that I didn’t notice before. It’s beautiful tones are a true blessing, indeed. It fills my soul. I’m grateful for the experience.

Last night I watched a goofy movie with my husband. (Yes, I enjoy stupid humor.) I laughed incessantly at the offbeat humor. That was fun.

Listening and truly enjoying the tunes from a little bird is joy.

Therein lies the difference.

Fun is fleeting.
Joy sticks with you.

So, why not sit back, really think about it and ask yourself:

Are you ready to trade in a little fun for some joy in your life?