Joy Happiness Reality or Myth

Joy Happiness Reality or Myth Happiness and joy mean different things to different people. So recognizing the role they play in your life is not necessarily the same experience shared by others. Fulfillment and satisfaction contribute to joyous feelings, but happiness also includes a sense of achievement and purpose for many individuals. And while achieving joy and happiness are realistic goals, the elusive feelings are not always found near the surface. Realize that happiness and joy are not passive endeavors. You are at the helm uncovering these positive perspectives, and success in finding them relies on perseverance and self-awareness. Several strategies improve your chances of experiencing your personal versions of happiness and joy. Here are a few to consider. Look for Growth Opportunities Advancing the positive features of your life facilitates joy and happiness. Career mobility, for example, supports confidence and self- image, leading to positive states of mind for individuals excelling in their careers. And personal growth in areas like increased spirituality and self-actualization walk hand-in hand with joyful feelings. For the most positive takeaways, keep your life moving forward, taking time to experience the positive emotions that exist alongside progress. Act for the Collective While we have the best intentions at heart, many of the activities we engage in are conducted selfishly, in order for us to keep up with the demands presented by modern lifestyles. Work obligations and family responsibilities keep us scrambling, so it is often difficult to see beyond our own self-interest. Joy and happiness operate outside our self-centered focus, so a wide-angle view is beneficial for embracing the positive feelings we are capable of when we act for the greater good. Volunteering or acting as a mentor for someone needing guidance are unselfish actions that often create  joyous responses. Remain Centered Trials and tribulations lead to emotional peaks and valleys, which sometimes guide us off-course in the pursuit of happiness and joy. Remaining centered in our values and beliefs mitigates the impact of lifes negative influences, allowing us to stay focused on happiness and other positive pursuits. Finding a personal comfort zone creates a consistent perspective, from which individuals draw a bead on lifes rewards, including happiness and joy. Define your Thing Sometimes without even trying, we become known for our abilities and expertise in specific areas. At work, becoming known as the go-to problem solver may define a key aspect of your own personal fulfillment, leading to happiness and joy. Or perhaps your favorite hobby serves as an important source of personal pleasure, bolstering your ability to feel happy and secure in yourself. Form Strong Relationships Sharing experiences with others perpetuates positive feelings, allowing individuals to stay happy and joyful through their relationships. Married couples, for example, lean on one anothers positive contributions, achieving more consistent levels of happiness than unmarried individuals. In the workplace, professional relationships bolster self-image and reinforce personal satisfaction. As employees feel appreciated and content in their work roles, productivity and contentment lead to happiness and joy. Happiness and joy may be elusive quarries, but committed individuals find ways to bring the feelings to life. Tuning-in to personal strengths and applying them in productive ways are key strategies for finding happiness and joy, which come to light through active efforts, rather than passive good fortune. About the Author:  This is a guest post by Sarah Brooks from Freepeoplesearch.org. She is a Houston based freelance writer and blogger. Questions and comments can be sent to brooks {dot} sarah23 {at} gmail {dot} com. Image courtesy of lusi.