Joy

 The last of the Rules of the Road by Pete Buttigieg is Joy. At first that might seem an odd choice after qualities like Respect and Truth and Discipline. Those seem to be habits that we develop to make us more efficient and trusted. And joy is often dismissed as just a feeling, and emotion that is a luxury, not an essential.

But that could not be further from the truth. As kids we would say "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" It is a bit trite and a cliche, but remember that a cliche is a truth that is way overused and becomes dull. For our own mental health we need to have light moments in our lives - comic relief. And the same goes for joy. While we are dealing with serious matters we need to remember to have fun - or at least try to have fun. 

So what is joy? And how is it different from happiness? Happiness comes from happening. Things will happen to us that make us happy. Depending on the circumstances it may be short-lived or longer-lasting. It is dependent on what happens to us. Joy is a choice. We choose how we look at life, how we view the events that happen to us. It is controlling how we approach all those things we cannot control.

Like the old dichotomy of glass half full glass half empty. It is the third view - there is a glass and we can drink it or fill it up with more. Sometimes it is seen in gallows humor - any day I am vertical is a good day. Or TGIF - thank goodness it's Friday.

But it is also something that can color our day and make work less like work. It is related somewhat to passion. There is knowing we need to do something and then there is wanting to do it.  Desire is important. It drives our efforts. And joy is the same way. What good is finishing a project if you can't experience some satisfaction, some joy, in it?

In the midst of sorrow, pain, suffering, and defeat, let joy drive our sails to victory. And don't forget to let it out. As the old saying goes, if you're happy and you know it, don't forget to tell your face.