What is Joy? Is Joy attainable?

Websters defines joy as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.

Based on that, joy is definitely attainable. You see, each of us has our own definition of well-being, success, good fortune. As individuals, we desire to possess different things.

The key to attaining true joy is in defining for yourself what well-being, success, and good fortune look like.

When we find ourselves feeling stuck, trapped, joyless, its because we have lost sight of those things. Many times, it is because we have taken on someone elses definitions of well-being and success. Its so easy to do. What does society say? What do the significant people in our lives say? Are we living their ideals or ours.

Another thing to bear in mind is that our picture of well being and success can change as we age. Our life experiences help frame our world and our values. What mattered in your twenties may not be the same as what matters in your forties. And so it goes.

Just as how you watch for landmarks and signposts when taking a road trip, so should you be aware of those presented along your lifes road. The Universe is full of clues and directions if you are open to seeing them.

Uncovering true joy involves reminding ourselves of what truly matters to us. I dont believe anyone can be truly happy living someone elses idea of the right life. The key is to live YOUR values. If youre feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unfulfilled, you may want to take a step back and identify those values again.

Believe me you know what they are. Theyre under everyone elses.

Copyright 2006 Diane Helbig