What delights you? How do you make yourself happy? What is the source of your joy? Does shopping delights you? Do you find happiness in being popular among your peers? Is accomplishing your goals bring you joy?
Most of us when we think of happiness we think of getting what we want. The media has done a good job ingraining in our minds that if you want to be happy, “then go get some”. We have become a society of “Go Getters!”
But are we really happy with what we've got? Or do we feel that our joy is lacking or incomplete?
When a rich young man approached Jesus asked what he still lacked. Jesus answered to sell all his possessions and come follow Him. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
I once heard a priest/psychologist said, “If you feel depressed, go help somebody.”
After years of seeking joy, I have come to realize that joy can be found outside myself. St Francis said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Real, deep and abiding joy comes from giving ourselves to others. It is in selflessness and not in selfishness can we find authentic joy. The “Go Givers” are happier than the “Go Getters”.
If you still have not found the joy that you are looking for, maybe it is time to go out of yourself.
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