Finding Joy in the Journey

To find joy, one must know what joy is.

In an article from Psycology Today, the author states: "Joy is an emotion “evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune” (Merriam-Webster). It is a feeling of “great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying” (dictionary.com). Other words for joy include bliss, jubilance, exultation, glee, and appreciation. You can recognize joy by the physical sensations it triggers, like buoyancy in your whole body, a tingling in your chest, an irrepressible smile on your face. Joy creates a positive excitement that uplifts and expands you."

One must not confuse joy with happiness.
The first is a constant and internal feeling; it is something that we can feel even when things are not quite going the way we anticipated.
The second is found in a moment, an event; it is something triggered by an external cause.

Although we want happiness to be part of our lives, we should focus more on finding joy. Joy is what will carry us through the rough moments in our lives, in our personal journey. Yes, journey! Life is not a destination but a journey. 

How do we find joy? I personally have found joy in Christ. It is through Him that I can overcome obstacles, hang on during the storm, push forward knowing that He is with me, and He will carry and/or guide me to safety. 

I am happy when I can testify of Christ, but my joy is full only when l constantly strive to follow in His footsteps, when I rely on Him, when I always remember Him in all that I do and in all that I say.
The questions I practice keeping in my mind are: "What would Christ do, if He were in my place?" and "If He were next to me, would I be comfortable making this choice, saying what I am saying?" 
Please, do not think I am perfect. I am very far from perfect. However, through Him, I can be a little bit better with each passing day. Through Him, I can repent when my choices are not something to be happy about. 

Through Him, I can find joy in my journey.

There is a song I really like, and I would like to share with you: If the Savior Stood Beside Me

Lyrics

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions?
Would I choose more worthily
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I often kneel to pray?
Would I listen to the Spirit’s voice, and hasten to obey?
Would I count my many blessings?
Would I praise Him gratefully
If I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I comfort those in need?
Would I try to show the Savior’s love in every word and deed?
Would I give to those who hunger?
Would I serve more willingly
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there
And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.