Bubbles and Waves

At the beginning of counseling I was trying to figure out emotions.  Being disconnected from any feeling left me the ability to examine them like I would a dead frog in biology.  I was detached, curious, and untouched by most emotions.  This is when I read Life's Uncertain, Eat Dessert First.  I enthusiastically shared the book with KavinCoach.  I thought it was awesome.  He was kind of dismissive and said it was about fun and light happiness but didn't come near joy.  I was a little disappointed but not too much because I learned that I like to have fun.   Happy feelings make an ordinary day lighter.  We discussed joy and moments of time when I may have felt it.  I puzzled over the difference for years.  Since that time I have felt like I had fun, felt happy and experienced joy.  Wow was KavinCoach right; there is a vast difference between happy and joy.  I struggle with getting a picture in my mind to be able to see the difference.  I finally hit on the right visual for me. Happiness is like a bubble.  You need all the right conditions and somebody else can bust your bubble.  Joy is like a wave.  It sweeps in and carries away all fears and distress.  It brings along peace and can last for hours. Looking at my children raising their children, I feel joy.  Eating chocolate cookies with chocolate milk, I feel happy.   May your day be filled with joy.