For That True Joy, Remember To Listen To Those Unheard Beats Of Your Own Heart

The ultimate truth, dear friends, is that you are the only one in this world who understands the depth of your own heart. Others can only glimpse into it.

In the early chapters of my life, I found myself grappling with the elusive concept of joy. Despite my determined attempts and relentless pursuit, I was slowly but surely losing my grasp on the ability to experience joy. I found myself filled with resentment towards the world, nurturing disappointment towards people who I felt were indifferent to my plight, and harbouring displeasure towards a society that always wanted to fit me in its frames. There was a time when my life seemed to be in complete disarray, confusion, and sadness, like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces.

As the saying goes, sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for better things. And never did this resonate more with me than when I hit rock bottom. It was in the depths of my despair that I began to comprehend the true essence of joy, a lesson that came with a hefty price tag and huge personal losses. I underwent a profound realization that my happiness was not tethered to external entities. I found that I could be content without any material possessions or achievements. Even though my life did not mirror the picture of success my society shown me, I found myself experiencing a happiness that was profound and pure in a minimalistic cabin of the Yukon, even without running water. This understanding arrived in the most unexpected ways. It's funny that I found my joy in running back and forth to my outhouse in -45 degree temperatures during the pitch-dark nights in the Yukon wilderness. One of the most significant transformations was a shift in my perspective on the sources of happiness.

In the past, I was under the misguided impression that happiness was a byproduct of financial success, materialistic achievements, being topper in every race, and cultivating relationships. Additionally, I placed a disproportionate amount of importance on the validation I received from my friends. If one person failed to acknowledge my worth, it would send me spiraling into an abyss of emptiness. However, now, even if the world fails to validate me, my joy remains untouched. I've come to a realization that my joy cannot be contingent on external approvals.

While it is important to extend kindness towards others - the crux of the matter is that the responsibility of your joy lies solely with you. You should be your own advocate and your own greatest love. I've witnessed love stories unravel into dramatic fallouts, luxury items lose their allure with time, and closest friends turning their backs. These experiences have been a stark reminder that everything in this world is ephemeral. While it is essential to appreciate the present moment and cherish the connections, relationships and friendships you have, it is also crucial to remember that nothing is everlasting.

It is a grave mistake to anchor your happiness to external factors. When people find themselves unable to rely on social links, or material possessions, and predefined successes, they often resort to alcohol, drugs, or other such things. Once these habits take root, they morph into a new problem, a problem that you may find yourself incapable of managing, and ultimately, you run the risk of losing your joy.

The greatest joy you can experience is the joy of self-validation. As long as your actions are not causing harm to anyone, as long as your activities do not inflict pain, sorrow, or damage, or negatively affect anyone else's life, you have your own approval. You are not in need of validation from anyone else. You are not a commodity that requires constant reviews. You are a human being, an integral part of nature, a small yet significant part of the universe, and most importantly, you are uniquely you.

I'd like to share a video I recently created to inspire some positive emotions in your heart. My musician friend, Todd Maclean from PEI, and I collaborated to create a song and music video called "Joy, Hope, and Positivity". It contains numerous reminders to seek joy. Please click here to watch it!

While giving yourself good approval ratings, it doesn't mean you have to be selfish. Kindness, compassion, and caring for others can also coexist during the time when you are feeding your own heart with love. Continue to extend generous and good vibes and show compassion towards others freely, but always remember to listen to those unheard beats of your own heart. The ultimate truth, dear friends, is that you are the only one in this world who understands the depth of your own heart. Others can only glimpse into it even if they try their best. You are the only one who knows what lies in that deepest layer, and you are the only one who can bring true joy to it. Pour some love into the pot of your heart. It needs it a lot.

(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)