What is Joy?
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
Where? Down in my heart!
Where? Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,
down in my heart
down in my heart to stay.
As a little girl raised in the 50s and 60s, I would sing this song in Sunday school. Like the other children in class, I would sing it at the top of my lungs as loud as possible. I absolutely loved that song. If felt it was my song because it made me feel so good and most of all joyful. For some reason, I just knew it connected me to my heart and soul when I sang it. I did not care if I sang off key- I was in the joy of it. I was being me! This is coming from someone who is completely tone deaf- ask anyone in my family and they will confirm this statement. I have always felt this song allowed me to sing like a songbird! As a child I could easily feel joyful. Of course today, I still sing this song with some joy- just not nearly as loud as possible- isn’t it interesting with age I have limited my joy because I care what people think–hmm? Something to ponder- what other joyful opportunities have I missed because I am an approval seeking adult?- kind of scary thought. Maybe I need to ask myself - what is joy? What is my definition of joy?
My dictionary says joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying: keen pleasure. I believe it is more than that- I guess you can say everyone’s definition of joy will be somewhat different due to there life’s experiences. Maybe that is what happened to me - maybe my life experiences got in the way of feeling all my joy. Helen Kellar once said, “Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” I have to concur with her- joy is something that warms my heart and soul. Joy connects me to my divine self. I feel joy is the truth of what I am. I once read that, “Joy goes deeper than mere happiness and beyond any circumstance.” I believe joy is the reason we are here having this human experience.
What is your definition of joy? Dr. Wayne Dyer, the author of “The Power of Intention.” loves to remind us, “Do not die with your song still in you.” I want to take it one my step- “Do not die with your joy still in you.” Go sing at the top of your lungs and be joyful! Start with singing ” I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” at the top of your lungs-I plan to!