#Riding the Joy Train!
By Allen Merritt © 2018
The words “Joy Train” caught my eye as I perused my
social media activity and viewed an individual who decided to follow me. Of
course, it wasn’t just the words I noticed but also the hash tag in front of
it. Somehow this stood out to me albeit I have seen it used many times.
Personally, I haven’t really used the idea of a hash
tag, but I find myself intrigued by it. I understand it as a tool that
categorizes content in such a way to make it easily searchable for persons
wanting to look for specific information. In this case, someone was not just
using the words “Joy Train,” they were also wanting people to find it. In this
way, like minded people move to the head of the line to discover each other’s
content. In other words “Joy Train” proceeded by a hash tag became key words to
search by. And, who wouldn't want to ride the joy train, right?!
I kind of like this as it quickly becomes a topic of
discussion about how to get and/or find all things positive, but also it
highlights finding the joy in life. What is joy? There is no doubt in my mind that joy and
joyfulness are key elements I would want to attract myself and others to. There
is a sense of celebration, rejoicing and jubilation in finding and experiencing joy, especially when we
understand it as a gift which keeps on giving.
As I consider it, hopping on the joy train, so to
speak, means we are embracing positivity in our lives. Maybe that joy arises
out of accomplishments, luck or by a mere sense of being. Maybe joy is one
small element of happiness that lifts us up. Wherever it comes from, joy leads
us to living in a state of peacefulness and contentment.
What is also great about joyfulness is that it is
contagious. People like to hop on the train with you and enjoy the ride. Where’s
the celebration? Where’s the party? I want to be a part of that!
Moreover, joy leads us to other positive emotions
and experiences such as delight, pleasure, bliss, elation, euphoria, gladness,
and a sense of exhilaration among many other feelings. When you begin to see
where joy can lead you, it becomes clear where you want to go.
Joy isn’t limited to what you wish for at
Christmastime or even in the song “Joy to the World.” It is something we can
experience every day in many ways. It helps us feel good about ourselves. It is
expressed in laughter, in dancing, in singing and in sharing pleasant moments
with others. It may be triggered by something we experience every day.
Consider the following:
- What makes you jump up and down with excitement?
- What makes you laugh?
- What makes you feel good?
- What makes you feel happy?
- When are you most peaceful?
- Do you ever experience contentment?
Answer any of these questions and you most likely
will find where your joy lives. And when you are able to answer such questions
authentically, you just might learn how joy is more of an internal factor which one
has to discover within themselves. Sure, there are external factors that makes
us feel happy, causes us to laugh, get excited and feel good, but when you come
to that happy place inside and understand more about who you are and find
comfort in allowing yourself to be that person, that is where true joy resides. That's the train you want to hop on.
Years ago, the band Three Dog Night had a hit song Joy to You and Me. It’s a fun song
and serves as a reminder to recognize that joy in life. It encourages taking a
ride on the joy train any chance we can. Have a listen and see if it inspires
your joy to be present this week.
Take time to discover your joy and try not to get
caught up too much in negative effects. If you do, stop everything and hop on
the nearest joy train and get yourself back to your happy place. Remember Joy is a large portion of "enjoy."
Experience Joy!
Experience Joy Now!
Cheers...and pass it on!
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