Comments on: On Happiness http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/ Catholic Sisters and Nuns in Today's World Thu, 24 May 2012 22:10:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Shocking but True « A Nun’s Life http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2554 Shocking but True « A Nun’s Life Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:11:50 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2554 [...] but True Posted on April 7, 2008 by Sister Julie Wow! The discussion On Happiness is wonderful! I’m sorry I dropped out of it right after I wrote the post. My computer was [...] [...] but True Posted on April 7, 2008 by Sister Julie Wow! The discussion On Happiness is wonderful! I’m sorry I dropped out of it right after I wrote the post. My computer was [...]

]]> By: Shelby http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2553 Shelby Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:54:55 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2553 Maybe this doesn't apply, but I think people tend to concentrate on happiness too much. Don't get me wrong, happiness is great and it's only natural for people to want to be happy. But I think happiness is only scratching the surface, people get to caught up in it. I think joy is far superior, I think you can be going through a really hard time or a trial and not be happy but still have that joy only God can give. Real joy is a gift. Maybe this doesn’t apply, but I think people tend to concentrate on happiness too much. Don’t get me wrong, happiness is great and it’s only natural for people to want to be happy. But I think happiness is only scratching the surface, people get to caught up in it. I think joy is far superior, I think you can be going through a really hard time or a trial and not be happy but still have that joy only God can give. Real joy is a gift.

]]> By: locilocisu http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2551 locilocisu Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:14:33 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2551 I've made a post on my blog on this subject in response. http://blog.locilocisu.net/index.php/2008/04/06/on-happiness/ In Christ, Clemens Aldo I’ve made a post on my blog on this subject in response.

http://blog.locilocisu.net/index.php/2008/04/06/on-happiness/

In Christ,

Clemens Aldo

]]> By: On Happiness - Pillow Book of locilocisu http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2552 On Happiness - Pillow Book of locilocisu Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:10:24 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2552 [...] Julie of a A Nun’s Life posted on this subject, and it inspired me to write up upon this…elusive question. What is Happiness? What makes me [...] [...] Julie of a A Nun’s Life posted on this subject, and it inspired me to write up upon this…elusive question. What is Happiness? What makes me [...]

]]> By: Regina http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2550 Regina Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:04:37 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2550 Sister Julie, I think there is a difference betweeen happiness and joy. To me happiness is an emotion, it is great emotion and is there to help us enjoy the all the wonders God has given us on Earth--from the large awe-ha moments such as graduation, weddings to the small things that make us smile, like the two-year old who laughed in church today. But I think Joy is a state and is choice. You can have great joy in very hard times because you made the choice to trust and hope in the Lord, rather than rely on the outcome of the fleeting circumstances of this life. At church sometimes I see these incredible women who have seen everything-- death of children or husband; worked on the hearbreaking projects of AIDs relief and refugee resettlement; or have weathered the many personal struggles that come with everyday stuff....and when you talk with them, observe them... there is this enternal peace that flows out of them. No matter what the external emotion they are expressing, laughter, crying, hurt, passion, or anger, there is this tenure of absolute joy that peaks through, that is constant, and that is irrepressible. They live out the song lyric, you can never take my Joy. I think as long as you choose to be joyous, you may not feel giddy all of the time, but you will be able to live out Paul's advice to us in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice. Thank you for this blog, your work is a blessing that helps remind me to rejoice! Sister Julie,

I think there is a difference betweeen happiness and joy. To me happiness is an emotion, it is great emotion and is there to help us enjoy the all the wonders God has given us on Earth–from the large awe-ha moments such as graduation, weddings to the small things that make us smile, like the two-year old who laughed in church today.

But I think Joy is a state and is choice. You can have great joy in very hard times because you made the choice to trust and hope in the Lord, rather than rely on the outcome of the fleeting circumstances of this life. At church sometimes I see these incredible women who have seen everything– death of children or husband; worked on the hearbreaking projects of AIDs relief and refugee resettlement; or have weathered the many personal struggles that come with everyday stuff….and when you talk with them, observe them… there is this enternal peace that flows out of them. No matter what the external emotion they are expressing, laughter, crying, hurt, passion, or anger, there is this tenure of absolute joy that peaks through, that is constant, and that is irrepressible. They live out the song lyric, you can never take my Joy. I think as long as you choose to be joyous, you may not feel giddy all of the time, but you will be able to live out Paul’s advice to us in Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice.

Thank you for this blog, your work is a blessing that helps remind me to rejoice!

]]> By: Rosemary http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2549 Rosemary Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:43:38 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2549 When we love and we are loved... (?) I think so.... (PS. Sr Julie - I'd sent you a mail... did u ever get it or did I send it to someone else? Just checking... ) When we love and we are loved… (?)
I think so….

(PS. Sr Julie – I’d sent you a mail… did u ever get it or did I send it to someone else? Just checking… )

]]> By: CLD http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2559 CLD Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:08:52 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2559 I think that happiness and joy is all of the above. For me it is a decision I make every morning - to go through the day being happy rather than sad. It didn't use to be that way and when I look back to the days when waking up was the most difficult thing I had to do I realize how much more energy it took to be sad and unhappy. What a waste! Had I used that energy for exercising, or something else more constructive, I'd probably be a supermodel by now. For me happiness came by finding peace and trusting in my faith. Walking around projecting negativity is a very lonely way to live and not the person I wanted to be. I think that happiness and joy is all of the above. For me it is a decision I make every morning – to go through the day being happy rather than sad. It didn’t use to be that way and when I look back to the days when waking up was the most difficult thing I had to do I realize how much more energy it took to be sad and unhappy. What a waste! Had I used that energy for exercising, or something else more constructive, I’d probably be a supermodel by now. For me happiness came by finding peace and trusting in my faith. Walking around projecting negativity is a very lonely way to live and not the person I wanted to be.

]]> By: Samantha http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2561 Samantha Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:46:31 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2561 I tend to think happiness consists of moments, and that it isn't a state at all. I think loving people, and loving things in general makes you feel happier overall, whether it's biking or rice pudding or just waking up in the morning. I remember watching this movie about this girl who was contemplating suicide, and her mom, terrified, was trying to talk her out of it. And the girl was saying that she wished she still liked rice pudding, because maybe the thought of it could help her live another day. I don't remember the movie but I remember it stuck in my mind as an association - once you stop liking/enjoying things and people, you're in trouble. I also tend to think happiness exists because sadness exists - I think we need something to compare it to in order to recognize it. Liking the little things has always helped me. Of course, having physical and mental health, ability to have needs met, etc...certainly helps in making one feel happy. And I will now stop rambling :P I tend to think happiness consists of moments, and that it isn’t a state at all. I think loving people, and loving things in general makes you feel happier overall, whether it’s biking or rice pudding or just waking up in the morning. I remember watching this movie about this girl who was contemplating suicide, and her mom, terrified, was trying to talk her out of it. And the girl was saying that she wished she still liked rice pudding, because maybe the thought of it could help her live another day. I don’t remember the movie but I remember it stuck in my mind as an association – once you stop liking/enjoying things and people, you’re in trouble.

I also tend to think happiness exists because sadness exists – I think we need something to compare it to in order to recognize it. Liking the little things has always helped me. Of course, having physical and mental health, ability to have needs met, etc…certainly helps in making one feel happy.

And I will now stop rambling :P

]]> By: kokopelli http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2563 kokopelli Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:49:20 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2563 Maybe it's because I'm not an English native speaker, but to me "happiness" sounds less profound than "joy". Happiness can be quite superficial - "joy" is for real. :-) I feel joyful when I have the impression that I am in the right place at the right time, that I am where I am meant to be and that I can do what I am meant to do. I know that some people say feeling happy or joyful is not justifiable given the state of the world in general, but feeling joyful and thankful is a talent I have and I'm certainly not going to let it go to waste. Without joy and happiness, there is no thankful attitude and we are the poorer for it. Maybe it’s because I’m not an English native speaker, but to me “happiness” sounds less profound than “joy”. Happiness can be quite superficial – “joy” is for real. :-)
I feel joyful when I have the impression that I am in the right place at the right time, that I am where I am meant to be and that I can do what I am meant to do.
I know that some people say feeling happy or joyful is not justifiable given the state of the world in general, but feeling joyful and thankful is a talent I have and I’m certainly not going to let it go to waste. Without joy and happiness, there is no thankful attitude and we are the poorer for it.

]]> By: MikeF http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2562 MikeF Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:15:10 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2562 H'mm. Happiness or joy? What you say about a "deep glow of happiness" reminds me more of how I experience what I call joy - a powerful thread of hope, love and yes, delight in our Lord's presence and his grace, that is there through even the hardest times, and that makes Romans 8.28 a daily reality, and not just a reassuring Scripture reading! H’mm. Happiness or joy? What you say about a “deep glow of happiness” reminds me more of how I experience what I call joy – a powerful thread of hope, love and yes, delight in our Lord’s presence and his grace, that is there through even the hardest times, and that makes Romans 8.28 a daily reality, and not just a reassuring Scripture reading!

]]> By: Sean http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2556 Sean Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:11:26 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2556 Hey Sister Julie, I wrote a little bit on happiness and youth today and I saw your post and thought it wasn't exactly an answer to your question, but it might be of interest to your readers as well. Thanks for your great questions! God Bless, Sean staywithdonbosco.wordpress.com Hey Sister Julie,
I wrote a little bit on happiness and youth today and I saw your post and thought it wasn’t exactly an answer to your question, but it might be of interest to your readers as well. Thanks for your great questions!
God Bless,
Sean

staywithdonbosco.wordpress.com

]]> By: katney http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2555 katney Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:11:18 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2555 I think that happiness happens when we don't let the struggles overcome us but instead deal with them and get on with life. I think that happiness happens when we don’t let the struggles overcome us but instead deal with them and get on with life.

]]> By: Mama B http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2558 Mama B Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:56:06 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2558 Sister Julie, I look at happiness as a gift from God. We can be giddy, silly, joyful happy and we can even be happy in the middle of great pain and sorrow (think about laughing at a wake or funeral). I believe it is a hug from God; there is a sense of peace and calm associated with the happiness no matter what is happening around me. All good things are a gift from God but I also know that sometimes you have to work with Him to bring about the best results. You can force yourself to put a smile on your face and act all nice and happy, but the deepest, truest sense of happy can only be achieved when God is involved. The same can be said from God's side; He can give all kinds of graces to bring you happiness but if you fight Him your sense of happiness will be limited by only you. I hope this makes sense and I don't repeat myself too much. Have a wonderful weekend! Peace, Mama B Sister Julie,

I look at happiness as a gift from God. We can be giddy, silly, joyful happy and we can even be happy in the middle of great pain and sorrow (think about laughing at a wake or funeral). I believe it is a hug from God; there is a sense of peace and calm associated with the happiness no matter what is happening around me.

All good things are a gift from God but I also know that sometimes you have to work with Him to bring about the best results. You can force yourself to put a smile on your face and act all nice and happy, but the deepest, truest sense of happy can only be achieved when God is involved. The same can be said from God’s side; He can give all kinds of graces to bring you happiness but if you fight Him your sense of happiness will be limited by only you.

I hope this makes sense and I don’t repeat myself too much. Have a wonderful weekend!

Peace,
Mama B

]]> By: tndaisy1960 http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2557 tndaisy1960 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:54:37 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2557 "Happiness comes at the moment you realize you'll never have things the way you want...and can truly accept what is."-- ME I haven't attained this state yet, but I'm working on it. “Happiness comes at the moment you realize you’ll never have things the way you want…and can truly accept what is.”–
ME

I haven’t attained this state yet, but I’m working on it.

]]> By: David http://anunslife.org/2008/04/04/on-happiness/#comment-2560 David Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:37:53 +0000 http://anunslife.org/?p=674#comment-2560 Dear Sister Julie- A provocative spiritual issue. I am not sure that “happiness” is a goal or an achievement. I think it might make more sense to think of it as a tactic- as a means. Just as we say, “Peace is not the goal- it is the way,” so we should say “Joy is not the goal- it is the way.” Happiness/joy is a way of seeing the world amidst the inevitable problems, struggles, and challenges that we must acknowledge. We often see what we want to see, and joy comes from learning to see the blessings that are always around us- even while there are terrible circumstances. Sometimes, it is simply acknowledging that things could be worse. In West Africa they often say, “Rather than be unset with God for making man-eating lions, be happy God did not give them wings!” To be joyful is not to be without problems or struggles, but to address them without losing sight of the blessings around us, and with the confidence that with our efforts and God’s support, things will get even better. To all of those who have led me to this understanding, I am most thankful. Best regards, wishes and prayer to all- David Dear Sister Julie-

A provocative spiritual issue.

I am not sure that “happiness” is a goal or an achievement. I think it might make more sense to think of it as a tactic- as a means.

Just as we say, “Peace is not the goal- it is the way,” so we should say “Joy is not the goal- it is the way.”

Happiness/joy is a way of seeing the world amidst the inevitable problems, struggles, and challenges that we must acknowledge. We often see what we want to see, and joy comes from learning to see the blessings that are always around us- even while there are terrible circumstances.

Sometimes, it is simply acknowledging that things could be worse. In West Africa they often say, “Rather than be unset with God for making man-eating lions, be happy God did not give them wings!”

To be joyful is not to be without problems or struggles, but to address them without losing sight of the blessings around us, and with the confidence that with our efforts and God’s support, things will get even better.

To all of those who have led me to this understanding, I am most thankful.

Best regards, wishes and prayer to all-

David

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