I usually hear the word joy in church, but outside of church I hear people talking about wanting to be happy.  Matter fact, we have all been bouncing and dancing to the “Happy” song by Pharrell in the last few months.

 

First, there is nothing wrong with Pharrell’s “Happy” song.  I love it!!!  And there’s nothing wrong with being happy, but if I had to choose happiness versus joy.  I would pick joy every time.  Why?  Because there’s a difference in happiness and joy.

What’s the Difference?

 

Happiness is temporal.

Let me say this again, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with being happy.  However, it would be really hard to be happy if a close relative passes, if I am terminated from my job, if my house burns down, etc.

On the other hand, joy is being calm during any circumstance.  It isn’t possible to be happy all the times, but I can always be joyful.  No matter the situation, joy will always bring the best out of you.  On the other hand, happiness will only bring the best out of you when things are going your way.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with happiness.  Matter fact, I like being happy.  “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof…”  I’m sorry, Pharrell’s song is playing in my head.  You have to admit, it’s a catchy tune!

The best way to illustrate the difference is happiness being more like a sprint and joy being a marathon.

Life is a marathon.  Many people sprint out the gates at the beginning of the year, but they tire out and loose out on many beautiful opportunities the rest of the year has to offer.

Sprint a little, but pace yourself with joy.

Make It a Meaningful Year

 

To make 2014 a meaningful year, you will need joy.

There will be situations that will challenge you inner peace, but if you have joy you will be just fine.

Time is flying.  We are already 7 months into this year.

Have you completed any of your monthly quarterly, or annual goals?  Don’t look back and have regrets of what could have been, should have been, or would have been.  Don’t let this year slip away!

If you have a already started off well, make your year more dynamic year and possibly the best year of your life by continuing to set and assess new goals to achieve.

Maybe you haven’t started this year with the right mindset, but you want more out of life.  Just remember, It’s Never Too Late.

So, Live a Joyful July!

 

Tell me about your year and what you plan to accomplish by year-end.  (Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.)

 

Bryant

MTN Universal

Be the wEiRd this world needs!

 

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