“Happiness is an emotional response to an outcome. If I win, I will be happy, if I don’t, I won’t. And I say if happiness is what you’re after then you’re going to be let down frequently and you’re going to be unhappy much of your time. Joy though, joy is a different thing. It’s something else. Joy is not a choice, it’s not a response to some result, it’s a constant. Joy is the feeling that we have from doing what we are fashioned to do, no matter the outcome. ” Mathew McConaughey

I heard this quote on an inspirational video on YouTube and pondered the difference between Happiness and Joy. Then I had a delightful conversation with Heidi who synchronously told me about a book she’s into and she shared a beautiful quote about joy. I took the wink from the Universe and I’m writing this post.

Many or most of us are probably unhappy with current events. How do we respond to the overwhelming problems of our time which include global warming, pandemic, the undermining of democracy, and climate crisis? My life’s work is to find peace and harmony among all beings, and that seems impossible! What keeps us going when we face such challenges?

“Joy is the feeling that we have from doing what we are fashioned to do, no matter the outcome.” This calls to mind Zen and mindfulness practices. We always have the choice to be present in any situation and take the action most aligned with our purpose. It may be a simple thing like smiling at your neighbor, or it may entail using your privilege to support someone being ignored at the store. It may mean learning as much as you can in school or singing a song in the woods. Keep being who you are meant to be, the best version of yourself possible in any moment.

Speaking of mindfulness, meditation can be a great way to train the mind to be present. When we are present in this moment we can relax. In this moment we can find peace. Staying in this moment, keeps up from spiraling into fears about what may happen in the future or dragging ourselves down with regret from past experiences. When we are present, we can usually find something to be thankful for in this moment.

Every being has a purpose. We are each responsible for understanding and living our purpose. We can enlist the support of greater powers when we take responsibility for ourselves. It’s not any one person’s purpose to solve all the world’s problems, but we contribute so much to ourselves, our community, and the wider world just by being on Purpose in our own lives.

This is where the dreaming and synchronicity come in — did you dream about an old friend? Perhaps it’s time to give her a call. Did you hear the word Joy in a variety of contexts today? What can you do to find your Joy? I ask myself, “What can I do in this moment most aligned with my reason for being?” I ask, listen, make an action plan and follow through.