Episode #57 Own Your Joy

Happiness comes and goes as our external circumstances ebb and flow, but joy can be present and cultivated even on those days where everything goes wrong. Join Dr. Michael Brown and Amy Seiffert as they describe what it looks like to choose to live a joyful life.

Show Notes

I just want to be done blaming and handing everybody else my joy.
Amy Seiffert

Three Problems

  • We often blame others for our lack of joy, as if our joy was not ours to own.
  • It is easier to blame others for our unhappiness than it is to take ownership of our joy.
  • Grumbling, complaining, greed, and worry are the symptoms of a lack of joy.

Three Principles

  • Happiness is the product of desired circumstances, whereas joy is the product of determined, thoughtful, and intentional choices.
  • We may not be able to choose our emotions, but we can always choose our attitude and our effort.
  • We are always a perspective shift away from joy.

Three Practices

  • Reclaim your joy by considering what you are thankful for.
  • Connect even your grief to gratitude, acknowledging the blessing in every difficulty.
  • Consider which intentional choices you can make that will bring you more joy.