Joy

Joy is far grander than happiness. While happiness often relies on external circumstances, joy transcends situations, surroundings, and status. Sometimes, even painful experiences can lead to deep satisfaction and joy. For instance, consider a mother who endures significant pain during childbirth. After the intense labor, when her baby is born, the joy she feels is immeasurable.

Nothing truly beautiful comes without experiencing some measure of pain, frustration, or suffering; this natural component of life reflects the process of mental, physical, and emotional development.

Stress and opposition are essential for growth. In utero, for example, our stem cells do not differentiate into mature cells without sufficient biological stress to encourage that process. Without tension and conflict, complex life, like ours, would never have evolved.

To excel at something, we cannot simply experience our favorite streaming services and eat bonbons. We must invest effort, resulting in frustration and setbacks, but without that struggle, we would never become skilled at anything—and would never experience the joy of taking the pain to flourish.

Gratitude for the simple pleasures in life, along with our choice to be kind and generous, contributes to our joy. Excessive self-centered thinking robs us of happiness. In contrast, caring for and helping others pave the path to joy.

While having compassionate concern for the well-being of others brings joy, neglecting self-care can prevent us from thriving. We should practice what Hans Selye referred to as altruistic egotism, which involves taking care of our own needs without disregarding the needs of others.

Joy can still be felt even amid daily challenges. We can accept the reality of our lives, recognize our struggles without ignoring them, and rise above the pain and suffering that are part of existence. While suffering plays a role in personal growth, it is especially beneficial for developing compassion.