Do you know the difference between happiness and joy? Here’s a general guideline for the distinction in happiness vs joy:
- Happiness: many emotions, fleeting, and temporary.
- Joy: stable, deeper, and more serene.
Joy is most likely to be achieved when we are serving others on a consistent basis. Being of service brings meaning to our lives.
“Humans are only “truly” happy (aka joyful) when we are producing a product or service. This is an essential part of being human. If we want to produce extreme happiness (joy) in our lives, all we need to do is begin producing a product or service for others.
…When you are earning your livelihood by serving others, you’ll make more money and happiness for yourself.
If your job cannot include serving others, consider volunteering for a worthy cause. The intention of balancing this area is one of the most important things you can possess because it is human nature to help others. We are social entities that are designed to contribute to humankind.
Did you ever notice the feeling you have when you help another person? Yes, you’re right, you probably felt really good about yourself. That is because you experienced an ethical spiritual experience by serving another.
Volunteer with a charity or organization that is close to your heart on at least a monthly basis. Or, help someone you know in need on a regular basis. These are the types of actions and intentions that will help to keep you in ethical balance with the humankind area of life.” (Dr. Michael J. Duckett, Existing in a State of Power)
Another interesting article on this subject is Happiness: What It Means to Live a Happy Life.