The Difference Between Joy and Happiness

As I reflect on my journey with From the Piney Woods and the experiences that have shaped my life, I’ve come to appreciate the distinction between joy and happiness—two words we often use interchangeably but that carry very different meanings. Understanding the difference between joy and happiness has been a transformative lesson, and it’s something I’d love to share with you.

Joy vs. Happiness: What’s the Difference?

Happiness is often tied to our external circumstances. It’s the feeling we get when things are going well—when we’re surrounded by loved ones, celebrating accomplishments, or enjoying a special moment. Happiness is wonderful, but it’s fleeting; it comes and goes depending on what’s happening around us. Because happiness depends on our surroundings, it can be taken away as quickly as it arrives.

Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper, something lasting. It’s an inner peace and contentment that isn’t dependent on our external circumstances. Joy doesn’t waver, even when life gets hard. It’s the quiet confidence and resilience we carry within, a feeling of fulfillment that remains no matter what’s going on around us. Joy is an intentional choice, an outlook on life that says, “I am okay,” even when things aren’t perfect.

What It Means to Live a Life Rooted in Joy

Living with joy means embracing a sense of peace and acceptance, even in challenging times. It’s knowing that we’re enough, regardless of what’s happening in our lives, and trusting that each experience—good or bad—serves a purpose. Joy comes from a place of gratitude and self-compassion, allowing us to face difficult circumstances without losing hope or confidence.

When we choose joy, we’re choosing to focus on what’s within our control: our mindset, our values, and the love and kindness we bring to others. Living with joy doesn’t mean we ignore life’s difficulties, but rather that we find a way to remain grounded, to keep a steady heart through life’s ups and downs.

How to Find Our Joy

So, how do we find this unshakable joy? For me, it’s through loving others, allowing others to love us, and embracing forgiveness. Joy grows when we open our hearts and release resentment, making space for peace to fill us. When we forgive—whether it’s forgiving others or forgiving ourselves—we let go of the weight that holds us back, allowing joy to emerge from within.

Forgiveness is essential for joy to exist inside us. Holding on to anger or resentment only blocks the light of joy; by choosing to forgive, we’re choosing to free ourselves. I find that when I focus on selfless acts of love, empathy, and forgiveness, I can tap into my joy most naturally.

True joy isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we cultivate through love, forgiveness, and an open-hearted connection to others. As we show up for one another with kindness and release the burdens of the past, we create a foundation for joy that can weather any storm.

How Joy and Happiness Complement Each Other

While joy and happiness are different, they can beautifully complement each other. Happiness is a gift, something we should savor and celebrate whenever it arrives. The thrill of laughter with friends, the excitement of achieving a goal—these moments of happiness are precious. But when life throws us a curveball, it’s joy that sustains us, keeping us anchored when happiness might be hard to find.

Joy allows us to experience happiness more fully because we’re not afraid of losing it. We know that even if happiness is temporary, our joy will carry us through.

Choosing Joy as a Daily Practice

Choosing joy is a practice—a decision we make each day. It involves nurturing our inner selves, finding gratitude in small moments, and accepting that life is a balance of highs and lows. Joy is about creating a relationship with ourselves that is strong, forgiving, and hopeful. It’s a choice we make over and over again, an outlook that grows stronger with each challenge we overcome.

As you go through your day, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: What brings me joy, regardless of my circumstances? How can I cultivate an inner peace that remains steady through life’s ups and downs? And perhaps most importantly, how can I offer love selflessly and allow myself to receive love in return?

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. In writing From the Piney Woods, I’ve had the chance to reflect on what truly matters, and I hope that each of us can find ways to cultivate joy that remains with us, even when happiness ebbs and flows.

Wishing you a life filled with both the beauty of happiness and the strength of unshakable joy.

Reserve your copy of “From the Piney Woods” here to receive a signed copy for yourself or as a gift this holiday season!

Always choosing joy,
PJ Hamilton