Happy

I have recently taken note of numerous postings regarding 'joy' versus 'happy'. Apparently, there is a big difference, even though by definition they are almost, if not exactly, the same. In case we didn't know it, it is better to experience joy over happiness. Joy is deeper more meaningful and happy is more fleeting and momentary. Apparently.

It has had me considering the difference. I have used the word and thought more about 'happiness' rather than 'joy' in my life. I have to admit, joy does seem special. More rare. More upper east side. More 'holiday-ish'. Happiness seems more pedestrian. More common. More downtown. More every day. I can't honestly say that one is better than the other, just different. There is definitely more pressure to find happiness. You don't have too many people asking you, are you joyful? Maybe we should start? Maybe we should give happiness a break and bring joy into the conversation more often? Maybe happy is easier to find? Just something to consider. At the end of the day, they both are a feeling of well-being.

Regarding work? People 'deserve to be' and 'should be' happy at work. Doesn't have to be every day and all the time but, overall...happy. There are rare instances and moments of joy, but happy should be the least that we expect for ourselves. We spend way too much time working, to not truly be happy doing what we are doing. At the end of the day, it is our personal responsibility and choice to be happy or not. Sometimes we need to change the job or sometimes we just need to change how it affects us.