So what's the big deal about joy?

Don't we get joy from a new car, or being in love, or chocolate cake?

The short answer is "no."  We may get happiness, but joy is a different thing.  According to the great book, Power, Freedom and Grace by Deepak Chopra, "External causes of happiness never create real joy.  Joy is an internal state of consciousness that determines how we perceive and experience the world.  The internal source of joy -- our connection to our Creator, our source, our inner self -- is the cause, while happiness is the effect."

In fact, Vedanta, one of the world's most ancient philiosophies, tells us that happiness for a reason is just another form of misery because the reason can be taken away at any time.  How do we feel when the new car doesn't smell new any more?  Or the new relationship doesn't work out?  Or we have eaten all the cake?

Many of us have looked outside ourselves for approval, acceptance, and joy.  Staying in relationships that don't serve us, substance abuse (food, alcohol, drugs, shopping), and other activities that really do not honor us fill the void temporarily.  But we could have joy.

Joy comes when we heal our relationships--with ourselves, with others, and even with our Higher Power (God, Spirit, the Universe).  Joy comes when we admit, then accept, then embrace the truth of who we are. Coming out to ourselves (regardless of our sexual orientation) allows us to do that. 

I invite you to explore my website, and if anything resonates for you, to contact me.

Peace and joy to you!