Happiness vs. Joy
Is one really better?
Hey there —
What’s the difference between happiness and joy? 🤔
It turns out finding the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
Google this question and you’ll quickly find experts declaring that the difference is external vs. internal — i.e. happiness is external and momentary, while joy is internal and more enduring.
That is, until the next expert-backed article (and ChatGPT) make a very compelling argument that the dictionary definitions of each word actually imply the complete opposite.
The more links you click, the more unclear it gets. While one post sings the praises of pursuing a happy life, the next practically dismisses happiness altogether in favor of what the author sees as the more beneficial experience of joy.
But instead of pitting one against the other in an epic battle of emotions, it might be more helpful to focus on what many experts seem to agree on: happiness and joy are each important to our sense of wellbeing. And there’s nothing wrong with seeking out both.
The most important thing is to consider their sources.
Chasing stuff, status, or the approval of others may lead to some positive feelings in the short-term, but they won’t provide lasting happiness or joy.
Here are some things that will:
💑 Healthy relationships. Spend time with people who make you feel loved and secure and allow you to be your best, most authentic self.
👍 Activities you actually like. Instead of only picking what’s easy (cue Netflix intro) or what feels “productive,” make room in your life for the activities, hobbies, and events you actually enjoy and that leave you feeling satisfied.
♥️ Meaningful work. Whether it’s through your 9-5 job, spiritual practices, a creative project, or volunteering, find ways to do something that feels meaningful and that gives you a sense of greater purpose and accomplishment.
😌 Living your values. Bike to work, eat vegetarian, resist rage-posting on Instagram…whatever best reflects the kind of person you want to be and the vibes you want to put out into the world.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons and formulas, looking for one right answer or path that will guarantee us a successful life. But not everything needs to be placed into categories of “meh“ and “best.”
When it comes to happiness vs. joy, let’s spend less time calculating the benefits of one over the other — and more time intentionally cultivating a world that’s full of both. 😁
How much control do you have over your own happiness?
by Jeremy Adam Smith
Whether you’re talking about happiness or joy, sometimes it feels like there’s a lot of pressure to simply choose both. But is it really that simple?
In this article, author and journalist Jeremy Adam Smith makes the important point that there are limitations to individual “quick fixes” and that happiness isn’t always equally accessible to all, and encourages us to examine how we can begin to bridge the gap.
How to (ethically) get rid of your unwanted stuff
by Jaime Stathis
Whether you’ve decided to follow The Minimalists’ 20/20 rule (shoutout to Joshua and Ryan!), or you just want to clean out your closet, this article will help you unload your unwanted stuff. (And maybe make a little extra cash in the process.) 💵
But it’s not just for those hoping to declutter — if you’re looking to make more sustainable purchases, you’ll also appreciate the tips and links for buying secondhand and giving practical gifts.
Square breathing exercise
By Black Dog Institute
Are stress and overwhelm putting a damper on your happiness?
Follow along with this two-minute, guided square-breathing video for a moment of calm and restoration. We hope it helps get your day on the right track. 🫰
Written by Ashley Martin
Edited by Matt D'Avella