Joy Often Requires Effort To Find, While Sadness Comes Easily

Yet, pursuing joy is worthwhile—it's what we truly need as it illuminates the path through difficult times. This was a lesson I found myself during living in my cabin in the Yukon wilderness.

Joy often requires a deliberate and concerted effort to discover and cultivate, while sadness seems to effortlessly find its way into our lives without invitation. This stark contrast in the accessibility of these two fundamental emotions is a important aspect of the human experience. Despite the challenges inherent in seeking out joy, the pursuit is unquestionably worthwhile and necessary for our overall well-being. Joy is not merely a fleeting sensation of happiness, but rather a vital emotional resource that we genuinely need to thrive. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path through the darker, more challenging periods of our existence and providing us with the strength to persevere.

The pursuit of joy demands discipline, dedication, and motivation, qualities that sadness does not require. Joy encourages us to embrace each day with a positive mindset, to establish and maintain healthy routines, and to approach life with a cheerful disposition. It motivates us to rise early, engage in self-care practices, and set a productive tone for the day ahead. In contrast, sadness may tempt us to remain idle, discourage us from taking action, and cloud our judgment with pessimism.

Joy inspires us to nourish our bodies with wholesome food, engage in regular physical activity, and push ourselves to grow and improve within the limits of our abilities. It encourages us to find beauty in the world around us, even in seemingly mundane or challenging circumstances. For instance, joy might prompt us to appreciate the intricate patterns of raindrops or the serene beauty of a snow-covered landscape. It motivates us to participate in life fully, whether that means trying new activities or simply finding pleasure in our daily routines.

Sadness, on the other hand, can be an insidious force that engulfs our minds with negative thoughts and endless ruminations. It can drain our energy, instill unwanted fears, and discourage us from engaging in activities that promote our well-being. While sadness may make our hearts and minds feel gloomy, joy encourages us to take action, to do things that bring us fulfillment and happiness.

The key to finding joy lies in making consistent efforts to cultivate it in our lives. This was a lesson I found myself repeating during my time living in a cabin in the Yukon wilderness. I realized that to experience joy, I needed to actively seek it out and create opportunities for it to flourish. While sadness would occasionally approach me, I learned to welcome it briefly, acknowledging that momentary sadness is a natural part of the human experience. Touching base with sadness can serve as a reminder of the full spectrum of emotions we are capable of feeling.

However, I would respectfully ask sadness to step aside as I step out into nature, choosing instead to dance with joy, hope, and positivity. I discovered that by actively pursuing joy, not only did I enhance my own emotional health, but I also created the power to spread that joy to others by sharing my videos and photos and hosting workshops. This approach became a guiding principle throughout my five years living in the Yukon, shaping my experiences and interactions with the world around me.

The Yukon has early snow this year. Yesterday, I stepped out into the fresh snow again. I had my speaker and camera with me as I moved for joy. I wanted to share this moment with you, so here it is:

While joy may require more effort to find and maintain compared to sadness, the rewards of this pursuit are immeasurable. By actively seeking out joy, we equip ourselves with the resilience and positivity necessary to navigate life's inevitable hardships with greater ease and grace. It is through the cultivation of joy that we find the strength to overcome challenges, appreciate the beauty in our surroundings, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

Dear reader,

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your readership, regardless of your subscription status. If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below.

Cheerfully,
Gurdeep