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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sharing Thoughts and Ideas

I honestly believe that creative thinking naturally spills over into colorful fun writing. Creativity flows freely, especially when we share what we are thinking with others. Nothing is better than a good discussion to get ourselves out of the proverbial box.

In a Bible group I attended last week, this question came up: What is the difference between joy and happiness?

It was debated for quite some time. Then I brought the question home with me. I pondered it with my husband and a couple best friends. Each of their individual thoughts were like kernels of corn. I still don't have a full cob so I thought I'd ponder the same question with you!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JOY AND HAPPINESS?


Have at it! I can't wait to see what you have to say!

12 comments:

DJan said...

To me, joy is a transient feeling I have, like laughter. Happiness is more long lived, something in the foundation of my life.

Kas said...

What is the difference between joy and happiness.WEll I am sorry I can't tell you other than to say that in order to experince happiness this year I am striving to experince more joy in my life.So maybe joy is a shorter version of the whole happiness emotion.

CATachresis said...

I am thinking of that bit in the US Declaration of Independence which talks about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Even this old Brit has heard of that famous phrase!

I wonder if happiness can be to do with our subjective aspirations and achievements; and perhaps joy is more objective. In other words when we move out of self-centred pursuits and think more of others, joy is the unexpected and unsearched for result! I read once that if we stop pursuing transient happiness, we may find eternal joy.

Not sure if that's rubbish or not lol

Al said...

Hi Jan, happiness is different from joy although when I think about it I can picture myself smiling when I feel.

In my opinion happiness is something that you feel when you accomplished something that must be done, or acquired something that you always wish for like a dream car.

Joy is when you know that you can give love and care to somebody and you're heart flutter when you've done it. Something that makes you smile or cry when you think about.

Hello Jan
AL

Tweedles -- that's me said...

In the land of Joy
a heart blossomed.
The blossoms
burst
and
swirled
Joy seeds
into the sky.
The mighty wind reached out
capturing
the little seeds
in its breeze
and sprinkled
the seeds
allowing them to fall
softly
as feathers
through the sky.
The little seeds
floated to the soil below.
And then one day
the little seeds
germainated
and sprouted
into Happiness.

2cats said...

About 20 years ago I was waiting in the car for my husband whuile he went into a store, a young boy of about 10 cam outside. He jumped into the air laughing. He jumped again and again. That was joy.
Happy is what you get when you have gone the distance.

Terri said...

There is a difference and distinction between happiness and true joy. One may be happy, even lighthearted and indulge in much laughter in the company of friends or due to other immediate circumstances. But hey, drunkards often do a lot of boisterous laughing. Are they truly joyful? It is probably their lack of joy that drives them to drink. Joy is a much deeper emotion. True joy gives one an inner calm, a sense of confidence and power strong enough to carry one through even a raging storm of adverse circumstances.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am still wondering,,,,,,,,,
I am a pug,,,,,, I feel too.
If a newborn foal is frolicking and bucking, running in circles around its mom. Is that joy?

As the mare watches her foal frolic, is that joy?
Does the mare feel joy when the foal nurses?
still wondering,,,,

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Joy cannot always be seen
on the outside
Sometimes joy is in your heart
and only you know its there.

I think happiness shows through your eyes

Maria said...

Happiness is a quiet feeling of peace and contentment when you know that you are where you should be.

Joy is physical, it is a force which wells up from inside and energises you. Remember "the joy of the Lord is our strength" - book of Nehemiah, can't remember the ref right now!

Faith said...

Hmmm....Joy is a feeling emoted when simple pleasures are appreciated, and observed, it gives you a lift.

Happiness...is something in which you are contented and pleased with what it.

Sandy said...

They've always seemed like interchangeable words to me. The things I find joy in make me happy...so I don't think there is a difference. I find you in mostthings in life, and therefore am a happy person most of the time.

Sandy

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