7 - Richard Hsia: Joy

 

Joy

        The modern world is full of all sorts of stimulation. We're aware that especially in today's age, many things are driven for the purpose of entertaining yourself, ultimately to bring yourself joy. Despite this, why is there so much struggle with joy in the world at a time when so many possible ways to bring joy to people are higher than ever? 

    'Sadness' is a universal emotion which presents itself to practically everyone during their lives. Sometimes, it's minor - like an occasional little rain cloud which hangs over you from time to time. Other times, it can be a huge thunderstorm which rages over you for a long time. Maybe messed up something you've practiced forever during a big moment. Or you embarrassed yourself in front of everyone and blew a first impression. Or it could be much, much worse, such as when a family member sadly passes away. 

    With enough of the little rain clouds building up in your life, you can only take so much before it becomes the huge storm. A tragedy isn't necessary to reach a point in which you feel you can't get a break from negativity, and you struggle to feel joyful and content on a regular basis.

   We don't always need to watch a new TV show or a bowl of ice cream to release the dopamine in you. The modern and innovative world has so many ways to do this, but unfortunately they all come with their side effects. For example, you can only eat so much ice cream before it gets bad for your health, right? And with poor health often comes sadness. Relying too much on an artificial source of joy often brings you back to square one. 

    Acts of kindness are an exception to this. It's practically harmless to be kind to another person. And doing so not only makes them feel better, but yourself also. 

    Just like how little things can build up and cause that huge storm to lurk over you, it doesn't take much to build up some joy within yourself either. One of the best ways is to express gratitude and appreciation for others. We're social creatures, and love it when people around us, especially people we admire, pay us thanks or admiration for something we've done. I understand. Sometimes a compliment can be awkward to someone. But it doesn't have to be something extreme, it only takes a small expression of thanks, gratitude, or admiration of someone or what they've done to create a small spark of joy.

    You don't have to be limited to words either. Actions can be just as powerful. A small gesture of help can let someone know you care about them. 

    One of the things I love about blogs is how we can all comment and read on each other's posts. When you see someone compliment your writing, it's hard not to feel better about it! Even though we're supposed to do it for a grade, it's still a great way to communicate and lift up your classmates a little. Acts of kindness only make someone else's day better, as well as your own. Joy is something you can bring to anyone, including yourself, but an effort has to be made to do so. There's so many ways you can bring joy, but try to bring someone up with you more often. A little goes a long way, and eventually, you may feel the rain stop and the sun start to shine around you. 

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