Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Joy

There is something missing in my life at the moment. It is something that no one can give you, nor is it something that someone should give you.
It is joy.
I'm not talking about love, or wedded bliss, or contentment. I'm talking about an abstract. This kind of joy is rarely expressed. It is entirely internal. It's not the kind of joy that you share in and of itself. It's not a mutual feeling. It's the kind of joy that motivates us to do things that bring joy to others. It's a feeling inside that comes back every morning with the opening of your eyes. That feeling of being, that feeling of not only being glad to be alive, but of being grateful for the gift of life. It's something that makes you get through rough times with the same resolve that helps you appreciate the good times.
It's such a simple concept. It's something that should be so easy to hold on to. Life is a gift that we're not always wise enough to appreciate while we are alive. Life is a source of so much regret when that joy is missing. Life is a treasure that we relish every minute of when that joy is with us.
Worry doesn't change things. Yet we worry a lot more than we care to admit. Things don't get better because we worry about them. Life gets better when we act in a strong, positive way. The ability to do as much, I believe, stems from having that joy.
It's so hard to get hold of something that when we have it, we don't know that we do. This joy I'm talking about isn't a tangible. When we look for it, we don't have it. When we have it, we don't do enough to nurture it, and we can lose it without trying.
I want it back. I know that this particular feeling can't be given back. Even by those who would wish it for us. I guess it's a natural process, much like breathing. It's not the only thing in life. But life is so different without it.
Wish me luck.

14 comments:

  1. I get this. I think this is the very best post you've ever done. So perfectly stated. Anne

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  2. So different without it, yet for someone as compassionate and loving as you are - I don't see you without it for very long. (Hugs)Indigo

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  3. I had a boyfriend in high school who said the word joy is specific and refers to our relationship with God. The nearer we are to God, the more joy we have. I'd never thought about it that way before. Don't know if he was right or not, but thus far in my life, it has proven true.

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  4. Good luck friend, hope you find joy again.

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  5. I do indeed wish you luck, and I understand what you're saying. Find your bliss.

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  6. I hope you get it back soon!

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  7. HI JIMMY,
    I TOO HAVE FELT THIS LATELY...YOU EXPLAINED IT PERFECTLY...I HAVE FOUND MYSWELF FEELING SORT OF EMPTY LATELY...I KNOW NO OTHER WAY TO PUT IT...I LIKE YOU WANT IT BACK...I HOPE YOU FIND YOUR JOY...
    REGARDS,
    CARLENE

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  8. It's funny (not in a comical sense), how something so simple can be so complicated. I think most people wish to find true joy and happiness in their lives, and yet I believe very few ever really do. I do so often wonder what it feels like....

    Thank you for this post, Jimmy. At the moment, I feel happy to know you ~ and that's good enough for me.

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  9. I think this is a totally refreshing entry...and one we should all focus on more often.

    All we have to do each morning is wake up and say to ourselves, "It's good to be alive and I'm going to make this a great day!"

    But that seems hard to do...for whatever reason.

    I'm glad you're feeling joy, Jimmy. :)

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  10. I love you Jimmy and can completely relate though I could never put my finger on it...now I can. You always have such a way with words.

    LYMY

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  11. Interesting....I have felt similarly for a while now.

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  12. Anonymous6:29 PM

    Hey Jimmy!

    It's me "Niki" originally from "Thinking Out Loud". Yep, that Niki.
    Anywho...

    I know exactly what you are talking about here. It comes and it goes. I hope by time you read this that yours has returned.

    Hang in there;)
    xo xo
    Niki

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  13. For me this kind of joy relies on certain things being in place. 1. the sense that my actions are generally consistent with my core values (integrity). which is related to what Mamma Christine said, except I don't think it only applies to religous belief, because sound core values don't have to stem from religion. 2. A feeling of control over my circumstances (including a clear understanding and acceptance of those things I can't have control over and shouldn't expect myself to be able to change. and 3. A feeling of productiveness or progression. I can get that from work, or artistic pursuits, or relationships or even from just learning. If I have those things I can be joyful, even if hard times come along.

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  14. Wow, reading your post felt like you were reading my mind and expressing my thoughts.

    I guess we all feel this way sometimes. I sure do we all get tht JOY back.

    Hugs, Rose

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