Happiness is often fleeting. We all know that momentary rush of excitement — you feel it when you get that long-awaited pay raise, when you achieve a personal milestone, or when you win an award. In those moments, you’re riding high, but as time passes, the feeling fades. Why? Because happiness, in its most common form, is tied to external events. It’s a response to something happening to you.
But here’s the truth: happiness, while wonderful in the moment, is temporary. It’s like a firework — bright, beautiful, but over in a flash.
So, what about joy?
Joy runs deeper. It isn’t tied to accolades, milestones, or external rewards. Joy is something that comes from within, a wellspring of contentment and fulfilment that’s not dependent on circumstance. You experience joy when you’re surrounded by people who care about you, when you know you’re part of something larger than yourself. Joy is rooted in love, connection, and a sense of purpose. It’s the feeling you get from meaningful relationships, from contributing to the greater good, or from simply being at peace with who you are.