I just started rereading The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, a conversation between the Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, written in 2016. These two spiritual giants came from different faiths and backgrounds but shared a deep friendship and a playful, joy-filled connection. What moves me most is that both men faced unimaginable challenges such as exile, violence, and oppression, yet they continued to choose joy.
Archbishop Tutu, who passed away in 2021, holds a special place in my heart. His strong belief in the goodness of humanity and his contagious laughter made it impossible not to feel uplifted by his presence, whether through his words or his work. Of course, he joined Global Hugs twice, and his participation reminded me to keep going. The Dalai Lama’s gentle wisdom is equally powerful, and together they remind us that joy isn’t about having a perfect life but about embracing all of life with an open heart.
They didn’t just talk about joy, they embodied it. And that’s what makes this book so impactful to me. It’s a reminder that even in sorrow, loss, or uncertainty, we can still find light. Research even shows that cultivating joy and happiness improves not only your well-being but also positively affects the people around you.
As Archbishop Tutu said, “Our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others.”
Moving forward, I invite you to create a joy practice by:
Setting a daily joy intention.
Begin your day with a quiet moment to ask yourself, “What could bring me joy today?” and notice the little things that make you smile.
Noticing joy in everyday moments.
Joy isn’t always an immense feeling; it can be the warmth of sunlight on your skin, the sound of laughter, or a deep breath after a hard moment. Take time to recognize those small sparks of joy as they happen.
Sharing your joy.
Send a joyful message, photo, or compliment to someone. Spreading joy multiplies it.
Choosing joy, even when it’s hard.
It’s okay if it doesn’t come naturally every moment. Let it be a gentle practice, and not a forced task.
Let this week be a practice of joy, not perfection. Not pretending. Just choosing to notice the light, even in the cracks.
If you’d like support as you work through life’s celebrations, struggles, and sorrows with more kindness and care, I’m here to walk alongside you. As your positive life strategist, together we can create more room for joy and help you feel more grounded and focused every day.
Affirmation:
I choose joy today.
Words to Love By:
Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. — Desmond Tutu
When you are grateful, you are not fearful, and when you are not fearful, you are not violent. When you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough, not scarcity. — The Dalai Lama
Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you’re going to respond to life. — Wess Stafford
Sounds for Your Soul: