Bits-of-Joy in July

Musings

Jul 2

So, I'm a day late getting started, but yesterday I decided that I'd like to offer a bit-of-joy each day for the month of July.I'll be offering a quote about 'joy' from a long list I've gathered - in the hopes that in this long month halfway through 2018, we can focus on experiencing and sharing JOY.Today I will offer two quotes because I am already a day behind schedule. :)I hope you'll join me for a quick bit each day and that my daily posts don't overwhelm you.*********

Bit-a-Joy #1

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. – Thich Nat HanhSome days I wake up feeling 'blah' or even downright sad and on the verge of tears for no real reason. My life is good. I count my blessings. But smiling can be a struggle. And often smiling through these feelings helps me to find and share joy with others - perhaps because it forces me out of my own negativity.I am not trying to be flippant about serious mental health issues or encouraging anyone to ignore the reality of toxic or dangerous situations 'with a smile'. Please address the issues that need addressing.But on those days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or Murphy's Law gets the best of you -- perhaps a smile can bring you and others joy. bit a joy w chinese clear

Bit-a-Joy #2

Joy is not dependent on circumstances; it is your own. It is not a titillation produced by things; it is a state of peace, of silence – a meditative state. It is spiritual. – OshoWhen I read this quote by Osho, I agreed instantly. I've always considered joy to be deeper than happiness. Joy runs deep -- it doesn't mean we are always smiling Pollyanna's, but it does reside deeper in the soul. Joy comes from the peace of knowing that we are MORE THAN our current circumstances and that we are not the sum of what might happen to us or around us.I don't know if this joy comes from - or leads to - acceptance of what is. I do know that the moments I experience one, I also experience the other. And it may be in the moments I am forcing a smile because I'm having a 'blah' day.