Day 1299 - Joyful Living Project

Today I picked up lunch at MOD Pizza. If you've ever been here, you know that it's like a salad bar or Chipotle where you create your own meal. Instead, you customize your own pizza.

As I was waiting for the pie to cook in the oven, I was thinking how much this experience is like the concept of joy.

Have you ever tried to answer the question, "What is joy?"

If you're like many of us, it's difficult to give a simple answer. 

Some may reply with a list of 20 things while others might come up with one or two. 

Then there are a number of people who are left scratching their head with a blank stare.

What I have learned about joy is that it's personal for everyone.

In many ways, it's like creating a pizza at MOD, building a burrito at Chipotle, or filling your salad plate. Each person likes different ingredients (I call these joy activators - experiences that bring us joy).

Some like pepperoni while others like Canadian bacon. Some like all the toppings while others just stick with cheese. On some days you might try something new. On other days you might get tired of the same ingredients.  

This is similar to joy. For some, meditation works great and for others, it may be kindness, gratitude, or creativity. One day you might feel like some adventure and other days you might want connection or humor.

The possibilities for joy are endless as are the combinations of toppings or ingredients on your plate.

So what is joy?

Whatever you want to put on your plate at this moment.

Bon appetite!  EnJOY! ...