Joy to the world!

I recently was walking through Target trying to grab one thing when I came across this adorable red Christmas sign. Of course I grabbed it and about ten other items that I really didn't need and headed home. As I hung the sign in our living room I marveled at the word JOY in big white letters with a wreath in the place of the “O”. 

 Joy is a special word to our family. Many years ago, when the girls were little, Matt and I took some time to define what our family values were. These values have been our guide as we have navigated all the things that life brings in our direction.  Joy is one of them.

Over the past 20 years I have worked with thousands of parents and one of the first questions I ask is, "What is your goal for parenting?"

99% of parents respond that they want to be happy.

I proceed further by asking, "What does happiness look like?"

This is a question that stumps many families. They know that they enjoy being happy and they get a lot of pleasure when they see their kids happy. However parents have a difficult time articulating how they measure happiness.

 Joy and Happiness are both positive emotions, but they differ in their nature and duration.

Happiness:

Nature: Happiness is often associated with external circumstances or events. It is the result of achieving a goal, receiving good news, or experiencing pleasure.

Duration: Happiness tends to be more fleeting and temporary. It can be intense but may not persist over an extended period of time.

Many parents want their families “to be happy. “ However, this goal is something that is often short lived. Quickly we end up right back where we started feeling frustrated.

Joy

Nature: Joy is often considered a deeper more profound emotion.  It can be experienced even in challenging times and is often linked to a sense of contentment and gratitude.

Duration: Joy has more enduring quality. It may not be as intense as happiness in the moment, but it has a lasting and sustaining impact on one’s overall well-being.

Many of us may pursue happiness through achievements or pleasures.

Joy is often cultivated through a mindset of gratitude, mindfulness, and an appreciation for life’s deeper meaning.

Which one will you choose?

My hope for all Lead Moms this holiday season is to cultivate a spirit of JOY!