"In contrast, joy stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the “rest and digest” functions." I have Crohn's Disease, Tracy, and a lot of people have told me about the head-to-gut relationship. This sentence here really sticks out to me, because it was in a moment of heightened anxiety and perhaps even depression that my Crohn's manifested itself for the first time. It seems cultivating more joy in my life will help me keep the disease at bay, based on what you said here. Cheers. Thanks for liking my note about my nephew, by the way. I've subscribed!
Thank you Tom! I’m so happy to know this resonated with you and hope it it is helpful. Thank you for subscribing. It means so much to have your support. I have followed you on Medium for years and Substack since you started.
“Lean into the ordinary - stop chasing the extraordinary” - loved this reminder Tracy. I’ve dug into the differences between happiness and joy often. This was a wonderful take and reminder to get back on the joy train. Thank you.
This was over and above, Tracy. What a beautifully written piece from the heart. I wish you nothing but pure joy and trust in your Faith. I will share this with someone who desperately needs to be be reminded of this while presently undergoing adversities. Thank you 🙏
Before reading your article I mused on my definitions of happiness and joy: happiness more fleeting, joy felt at my core.
Then I wondered - I've been trying to get on to a Chief Happiness Officer course for around 2-3 years. When I mention it to people, there's often a raising of eyebrows followed by a 'that must be nonsense' out-breath masking a guffaw. But what if it were called Chief Joy Officer? Would that change the response?
I personally love the idea of Chief Joy Officer but I’m sure that too would result in raised eyebrows. For those with that reaction, however, I wish them well and the ability to understand the true benefits of a joyful life.
Tracy — thank you for unpacking the clear distinctions between happiness and joy. It is powerful, at least to me, to reflect on the fact that it is the most ordinary of things that bring us joy. Yesterday, I held my new granddaughter for the first time—she smiled at me—and in that moment I knew what a ‘bundle of joy’ truly meant!
How wonderful, Ray! Enjoy the baby bliss :) I have a 7 month old baby in the house. I love her giggles, her joy, her smile .... just everything. Time goes by so quickly. These bundles of joy are starting to crawl, walk and talk.
But now they just lie in your arms and smile at you, and that's heaven.
I go for Joy all day! :) it is more all encompassing!:)
Yes it is!
"In contrast, joy stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the “rest and digest” functions." I have Crohn's Disease, Tracy, and a lot of people have told me about the head-to-gut relationship. This sentence here really sticks out to me, because it was in a moment of heightened anxiety and perhaps even depression that my Crohn's manifested itself for the first time. It seems cultivating more joy in my life will help me keep the disease at bay, based on what you said here. Cheers. Thanks for liking my note about my nephew, by the way. I've subscribed!
Thank you Tom! I’m so happy to know this resonated with you and hope it it is helpful. Thank you for subscribing. It means so much to have your support. I have followed you on Medium for years and Substack since you started.
Oh wow Tracy that's awesome! Thanks for being a reader of mine. Happy I get to return the favor!
“Lean into the ordinary - stop chasing the extraordinary” - loved this reminder Tracy. I’ve dug into the differences between happiness and joy often. This was a wonderful take and reminder to get back on the joy train. Thank you.
Thank you Marychris. I'm glad to know it was a helpful reminder to get back on the joy train:)
Great article.
Thank you!
This was over and above, Tracy. What a beautifully written piece from the heart. I wish you nothing but pure joy and trust in your Faith. I will share this with someone who desperately needs to be be reminded of this while presently undergoing adversities. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much🙏🏻
Before reading your article I mused on my definitions of happiness and joy: happiness more fleeting, joy felt at my core.
Then I wondered - I've been trying to get on to a Chief Happiness Officer course for around 2-3 years. When I mention it to people, there's often a raising of eyebrows followed by a 'that must be nonsense' out-breath masking a guffaw. But what if it were called Chief Joy Officer? Would that change the response?
I personally love the idea of Chief Joy Officer but I’m sure that too would result in raised eyebrows. For those with that reaction, however, I wish them well and the ability to understand the true benefits of a joyful life.
Yes, I agree. Sometimes you just have to carry on regardless!
Tracy — thank you for unpacking the clear distinctions between happiness and joy. It is powerful, at least to me, to reflect on the fact that it is the most ordinary of things that bring us joy. Yesterday, I held my new granddaughter for the first time—she smiled at me—and in that moment I knew what a ‘bundle of joy’ truly meant!
How wonderful, Ray! Enjoy the baby bliss :) I have a 7 month old baby in the house. I love her giggles, her joy, her smile .... just everything. Time goes by so quickly. These bundles of joy are starting to crawl, walk and talk.
But now they just lie in your arms and smile at you, and that's heaven.
Congratulations on your bundle of joy! Indeed a joyous moment and just the beginning of many more!