Every year holiday joy permeates the air. Festive spirits inspire spreading more light to loved ones, friends, communities and to the world at large. 

I believe it’s possible to be joy-full all year long with help from several introspective insights. 

The word simcha in Hebrew is defined as “happiness” or “joy.” The term is used for any happy event, embodying the idea of rejoicing both personally and communally. However, there is a distinct difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is fleeting and is a part of the rainbow of human emotions. You buy a new car and happily drive away from the dealership when someone cuts you off. Your happy immediately turns into fear and or anger. Joy is different and encompasses a deeper, more soulful connection. It is life-giving and life-sustaining. Joy is an invitation to live life fully, even during challenging times. Joy is truly adopting a “cup-half-full” attitude.

In Bringing Heaven Down To Earth: 365 Meditations of the Rebbe, author Tzvi Freeman quotes the Lubavitcher Rebbe (seventh in the lineage of Chabad rabbinic leaders): “There are many kinds of barriers. Those from within and those from without. Barriers between people. Barriers that prevent you from doing good things. Barriers of your own mind and your own hesitations. These are the barriers that exist simply because you are a limited being. Joy breaks through all barriers.”

Here are a few ways to move beyond temporary happiness into living in joy:

Dispel negative thoughts and live with positive intention. In Toward a More Meaningful Life: The Wisdom of the Sages, author Rabbi Simon Jacobson posits, “When you awake in the morning, while you are still lying in bed, think for a moment. What does it mean to be awake and alive?” Begin each day with a prayer, meditation or positive thought process. Thank your higher power for the new day. “Acknowledge your soul and the vibrancy and fortitude it provides. Think about what you would like to accomplish that would make this day a meaningful day. Train yourself to do this every morning and you will begin to see your life in a new, sharper focus.”

Be present and in the moment. Ruminating on the regrets of the past, wishing and hoping for an illusory future and/or harboring resentments can detour a joy-filled life. Joyful is a choice. 

Reach out to others. The Lubavitcher Rebbe said, “Think good, do good. It will be good.” Performing both random and intentional acts of kindness can bring the greatest joy to our lives! Stepping outside ourselves and giving to others can create very joyful experiences.

Honor and practice self-acceptance. Appreciate the gifts you bring to the world! Breathe in the words “I am enough,” I’m valuable” and “I measure up.”

It fills me with gratitude to be sharing this article with you today. May you all experience a more joy-full life starting today and lasting all year round! 

Dr. Amy Austin is a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFC#41252) and doctor of clinical psychology in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at (760) 774.0047.

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