Happiness and Joy may seem as if they go hand in hand, but sometimes they don’t. While they are both positive emotions, they have different attributes and come from different places.
Happiness is fleeting. Upon your return from your vacation that relaxed, happy feeling usually only lasts for a brief time. This is similar to going shopping and the rush you feel when you buy something. After that transaction is done the feeling usually dissipates in a short time. But assume you bought that something for a special event. Looking forward to that event and going to shopping for that special something can be a joyous experience, especially if you like shopping. ?
In a few words, I think happiness happens to us, and though we look for it, we don’t always find it. Joy lives inside of us, and we can cultivate it and keep it with us through whatever else is going on in our lives.
“The fact is always obvious much too late, but the most singular difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is a solid and joy a liquid.” – J.D. Salinger
Have a joyous weekend.
Vijay