Joy is a Choice

Joy is not a feeling; it is a decision. We become joyful by having someone or something respond to us in a positive way. Joy can only be created in relationship with another person, animal, or object.  Joy is a spiritual value which can only be tapped into when we are connected to the source. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit.  Joy is more than happiness.  Joy comes from inner contentment and delight.  It is an attitude which we can influence with our mind.  It is not dependent on external circumstances or a time frame.  We experience the greatest joy when we have our own children who resemble us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

~ Galatians 5:22-23

From an energy point of view, joy is one of the highest frequencies.  In his book Power Vs. Force  David Hawkins (1913-2012) declares only peace and enlightenment as higher vibrations.

“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.”

~ David R. Hawkins

In the Divine Principle we learn:

“Let us first examine how joy is produced. Joy is not created by the individual alone. Joy comes when we have an object, whether invisible or visible, in which our own character and form are reflected and developed, thus enabling us to feel our own character and form through the stimulation derived from the object.

For example, man feels joy as a creator only when he has an object; that is, when he sees the product of his work, whether it be a painting or sculpture, in which his plan is substantiated. In this way, he is able to feel his own character and form objectively through the stimulation derived from the product of his work. When the idea itself remains in the objective position the stimulation derived from it is not substantial; therefore, the joy derived from it cannot be substantial either. God's joy is produced in the same manner as man's. Therefore, God feels joy when He feels His original character and form objectively through the stimulation derived from His substantial object.”

~ Divine Principle – Purpose of Creation – Sect. 3:2

How does all of this apply to our everyday life?

Joy, being our purpose, becomes a very desirable experience.  I find myself most joyful when I am grateful, content, compassioned and forgiving.  When I am in that state of mind I can easily relate to others, and the activities of the day flow in harmony.  It doesn’t bother me when my granddaughter throws a fit because she wants a cookie before lunch, the car in front of me pulls in my parking lot or that my husband has a different idea on what to eat for dinner.  I can tolerate my environment better, relate to my fellow man and every tasks gives me fulfillment.  I don’t need a certain response in order to be happy because I have the joy inside me, the higher frequency can absorb all kinds of lower vibes.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

~ Nikola Tesla

How do we plug into this joy?

Be aware of your feelings, watch for negative repetitive emotions; transform them into great experiences
Be compassionate
Be creative: bake a cake, paint a picture, or sing a song
Be grateful
Be honest with yourself; live authentic with integrity
Be in awe, appreciate nature
Be inspired (read scriptures, pray, meditate)
Be joyful, laugh, be silly, have fun
Be open to new ideas, possibilities
Be patient, be silent; the answer will come

“Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, 'Did you bring joy?' The second was, 'Did you find joy?”

~ Leo Buscaglia



Create awareness, be mindful; pay attention to the present moment
Create belonging (family, friends, and community) be around people who love and respect each other
Create peace and calm for yourself
Create purpose and meaning for your life
Do things you love
Don’t criticize or judge
Face fears, avoid stress
Follow a dream, ideal: live your values

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~ Psalm 118:24 

Get rid of old belief systems, check your core beliefs
Have positive attitude, be a good-finder
Imaging beautiful things
Let go of hurts and pain, don’t hold grudges; after the darkness there is always light
Listen to harmonious music
Listen to other’s stories, be understanding
Reach out, be kind to others

Because joy is so crucial to a happy life, some people have created the The Joy Project.

Amanda Gore, founder of the Joy Project sees joy as an iceberg - the largest part of the iceberg is the foundation on which joy is built - the tip is what you see!  The website gives many ideas on how to create joy and participate with others in the creation of it.

I am sure there are many more ways to create joy and add them to the above list.  I believe a key to finding joy in one’s life is to connect directly to the source of joy which is in God, the creator of it all.  Let’s spread the joy!