You can't fake joy. It's real. Some people seem to carry joy like a light inside them, through conflict, through stress, even through burnout. Educators are often among the most joy-filled and the most joy-drained people we know, all in the same week. But there’s a way to stay anchored.
“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our
purpose warm and our intelligence aglow."
— Helen Keller
Happy Monday!
That's an annoying way to get started for some. Happy? What's so happy about it?
Peter Pan had his happy thought. Hook is one of my favorite movies because it portrays an adult Peter who has become weighed down by work and responsibilities. He had lost his joy but rediscovered his happy thought in time to defeat the enemy.
We all have joy stealers in our lives—they attack from the past, present, and future—so it's smart to be diligent about practicing those habits that protect our perspective.
"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony,
and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."
— William Wordsworth
Joy is expressed in our face. Sometimes a smile triggers a joyful spirit, and sometimes a joyful spirit emerges as a smile. Either way, we win and they win.
Joy is expressed in our response. We know that conflict and obstacles are part of the journey, so we stay prepared in practice and prayer to navigate life in wisdom.
Joy is expressed in our gratitude. Remembering those blessings we've received and the people around us lifts our eyes above the moment to see the greater picture.
Joy is expressed in your attitude. The privilege of teaching, coaching, and enabling others to grow fuels our devotion to the work and the habits of excellence.
"Joy is not in things;
it is in us."
— Richard Wagner
Joy has benefits! It improves our body's immune system, lowers blood pressure, increases motivation and intelligence, and enables a longer, more fruitful life.
Joyful people make life more enjoyable, and they also help others work through those difficult days that contribute to exhaustion, loss of purpose, and burnout.
Sustaining our joy elevates the authenticity of our testimony and lightens the load.
Keep joy in the journey. The discipline of stubbornly maintaining that happy thought will be infectious. Always remember, it is your fire that keeps others going.
