The Soup of Joy

I hear people complaining all the time that they just aren’t happy. When asked, they provide a huge laundry list of reasons why they are unhappy. As usual most people are more in tune with what they don’t want instead of what they do and even of what they already have. It is at this point I ask the inevitable question, what are you doing about it? The answer is always similar, "I’m doing the best I can". My response is that isn’t good enough. Here’s why.



It is our natural tendency to run from our fears and unhappiness. While the feelings of unhappiness are often fuzzy, our actions are quite the opposite. We do those things we believe will make us happy. But they don’t work. So we do them again, and again. My thought here is to change it up. Basically the logic behind joy demands that if something doesn’t work…try something else.



No, this isn’t an earth shattering revelation. Yet it is often not followed. There’s a quote out there somewhere along the line that, "Expecting different results tomorrow for performing the same actions today is madness". Indeed it is. Yet how often are we stuck in a rut of unhappiness without ever thinking of and trying new actions? It’s time to broaden our horizons.



If something doesn’t work, stop doing it. The world is filled with infinite possibilities. Maybe we need new friends or change our jobs. Maybe we need to give attending church a shot or spend some quiet time everyday in meditation. Do you spend time focusing on unhappiness? Then try focusing on what’s great. If what we do doesn’t help, move on. Think of your life as a pot of soup. Try mixing in new ingredients and see how it comes out. Take out those things that are bland and add some zest with new activities.



Finding joy isn’t difficult. However, it does take active participation. Don’t blame God or other situations when we are feeling down. Instead, put out some effort and make your life the best it can be. Happiness is our responsibility and no one else can do for us what we have to do for ourselves. So we must examine our lives and get rid of what doesn’t work. Look around for new possibilities and keep adjusting until the pot of soup that is our lives becomes a new expression of joy. Just never give up. Your joys are waiting for you.