#16 - Recovering from speed bump, piecing and Ring

[hoosjim]

I can't remember if you read the Happiness Trap early on, but if not then you might want to pick it up. You're right in that you can't make her happy, only SHE can do that. And only YOU can make yourself happy. I think our society makes us believe we have to chase happiness, like it's something that's out there that we need to find and buy and hold onto. Or that we need to take from someone else, steal and hide and covet. But it's more of a state of mind, we can choose to be happy despite whatever is going on all around us. The story of Corrie ten Boom in the concentration camp during WWII is just astonishing, this woman lived in the most horrific conditions imaginable and brought love, joy and hope to everyone around her. She was HAPPY. How is it possible in those circumstances? Seems impossible to most. I would venture to say she was happier than any millionaire around today. No husband, no kids, sister died in the same concentration camp, no belongings, no hope, no future, a prisoner despite having committed no crime. If she can be happy under those circumstances then there is hope for anyone.

There's alot of faith-based material on this out there. I know our pastor talks about it quite alot. You'll often hear it framed in terms of "happiness" vice "joy", with "happiness" being something you pursue (somewhat selfishly) but somehow never quite obtain... at least with any permanence. "Joy" on the other hand comes from within, from an inner sense of well-being or, if you are a person of faith, from one's personal relationship with the Lord. "Joy" starts within but actually overflows out of you when you are at your most joyful, bringing light and joy to others. I probably butchered the explanation, but i always find it a very compelling message/discussion when i hear it.