We are celebrating the holidays and wishing "Joy to the World."  What is this Joy all about?  Joy is deeper than happiness.  Happiness often refers to a feeling of well-being, good cheer, merriment, pleasure, and satisfaction.

Joy, especially inner joy, is much more than a pleasurable turn of events or a personal sense of merriment, happiness, and well being.   Joy arises from within rather than from an outer source. It shows a capacity for maintaining a patient and persistent positive attitude in the face of adversity and a compassion for others. David Hawkins, in his book        'Power vs. Force, ' describes it as a desire to benefit life itself more than any one particular individual.

Often, when we experience joy with our family and friends it is patience and persistent support through life's difficulties that makes joy so meaningful.  As we grow and develop, our sense of joy deepens as we broadens as we grow in our compassion for others and our faith in human life.  May you your joy continue to expand this holiday season.

Dr. Alice