Managing your emotions Day 1 Happiness

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. - Jn 15:11.

Paul Ekman places Happiness at the top of the list of six universal feelings. Who does not want to be happy? No one. But who understands where lays its secret? Not many. I was stunned when I made a call to the Office of the Chairman of a well-reputed company in Chennai a few years ago. Hardly a couple of rings, I heard a beaming sweet voice on the other side: “ Hello! I am Sandra at the head office. It is wonderful to talk to you Mr. Joe and I hope the day finds you Mr. Joe in the pink of your health and the top of your spirit. I will be glad to help you to my best, for my organization believes it can make a difference in people’s life”. It took me just one more second to get an appointment with the VP for my first round of meetings. Later I heard many admire Ms. Sandra for the exuberance she breathes all around, always making others feel wanted and listened to. Her positive vibe or happiness was very contagious and undoubtedly contributed to the organization’s brand building.

St. Paul urges us to be happy and “rejoice in the Lord always, I say it again, Rejoice, and may everyone experience your gentle and understanding heart” (Ph.4:4-5) and he goes on to point to two sources of our happiness: one, the love God has shown us by gifting His only Son for our happiness and the other, our bonding with others as brothers and sisters to live His purposes for us. “Then your joy may be in us and our joy may be complete” (Jn15:11). But we sometimes choose to believe that our happiness lies in things, positions, rewards, recognition, and everything that centers on ourselves. Does not happiness lie in giving and forgiving, sharing and caring, bonding and building? There are times when we even stoop down to the lowest grades of happiness, such as sadism (hurting people and creatures) or hedonism (sensual pleasures unmindful of means/ measures). But the Lord calls us to rise to pure enduring joy and everlasting bliss even here on earth. Yes, we can! Can’t we make a few tiny efforts to make others’ lives easier and happier, and their tasks satisfying and rewarding?

God’s supreme gift to us is Happiness - today and every day, as the Sun He made sheds light everywhere. Do not forget, that happiness is usually wrapped up and you have to unravel it through your efforts of positive words, warm smiles, and caring love. It is said, ‘Joy, when shared, is doubled. Sharing in the joys of others is awesome! Be inclusive and listen to the silence of others. Stretch yourself to help someone in need. Shun negative words. Make your surrounding a better place to live and work in. People remember you for how you made them feel…. happy! Be ambassadors of happiness!

Lord, You said: “…..In my name, ask and receive that your joy may be full” (Jn.17:24)! We ask you for the gift of your Spirit to guide us through the day so that we may savor the bliss of living in your holy presence and doing what is pleasing in your sight.”