"Maybe this is what happens when you grow up; you feel less joy." That line from Inside Out 2 hit me hard. As a kid, joy seemed so easy to come by. But as we grow up, it feels like joy slips through our fingers, replaced by stress, responsibilities, and a whole mix of other emotions. But is it really that we feel less joy, or is it just different now? Let's talk about how growing up changes our relationship with joy.
From Simple Joys to Complex Emotions
When you're a kid, joy is everywhere. It's in playing with friends, getting a new toy, or even just having your favorite snack. It's simple and pure. But as we get older, life gets more complicated. School, work, relationships—they all bring a mix of emotions. Sometimes, joy feels buried under layers of stress and anxiety. But that doesn't mean it's gone. It just means that joy is part of a bigger, more complex emotional picture.
Finding Joy in New Places
The things that made us happy as kids might not do it for us anymore. But growing up doesn't mean we can't find joy—it just means we find it in different places. Now, it might come from finishing a big project, having a deep conversation with a friend, or even just enjoying a quiet moment with a good book. These moments might be more subtle than the joys of childhood, but they can be just as fulfilling.
The Weight of Awareness
One thing that changes as we grow up is our awareness of the world. We're starting to see the bigger picture, and sometimes that can be overwhelming. There's so much going on—good and bad—and it can be hard to stay positive. But this awareness also makes the joyful moments even more special. When we know how tough life can be, we learn to appreciate the good times even more.
Breaking Free from Expectations
As adults, we're expected to be serious and responsible. But that doesn't mean we can't have fun or feel joy. It's important to permit ourselves to let go sometimes, to be silly, to laugh, and to enjoy life. Joy isn't just for kids; it's something we all need to feel alive and connected.
Embracing All Emotions
Does growing up mean we feel less joy? Not at all. It simply means we experience a wider range of emotions, and that’s perfectly fine. The ups and downs add depth to our lives. Even when joy is mixed with other feelings, it doesn’t lose its value. It often makes those joyful moments even more meaningful.
Ultimately, growing up is about discovering joy in new and unexpected places. It’s about learning to cherish the small things and embracing the full spectrum of emotions that come with being human. Joy is still out there, even if it looks a little different now. All we need to do is keep our hearts open and be ready to welcome it whenever it appears.
To fully experience joy, I suggest embracing all your emotions—not just the comfortable ones. By accepting the full range of feelings, you invite a richer, more profound experience of joy, even when it’s intertwined with other emotions.
You might find value in exploring tools like Emoli Cards, which Coach Ignatius has partnered with The School of Emotions to promote. These cards can help you uncover the stories behind your emotions, showing that joy, like every other feeling, has a unique purpose and place in your life.
If you're wondering if I have one (Emoli cards). Not yet, but I'm planning to get these Emoli cards for personal use.
They also offer Emotions-Based Coaching, combining the insights from Emoli Cards with the immersive mood regulation of Calm3D and personalized life coaching sessions. This combination helps you honor and understand every aspect of your emotional experience.
Growing up doesn’t mean losing joy—it means expanding your ability to feel, connect, and appreciate the beauty in every emotion you encounter. And you may explore their bundled promotion here.
Questions to Ponder and Reflect On
You know, it's fascinating to think about how our experiences of joy change as we grow. Let me ask you a few things to ponder over:
1. Have you noticed how your understanding of joy has shifted from when you were a kid to now? What new sources of joy have you found along the way?
2. Do you feel like societal expectations and responsibilities sometimes make it harder to experience joy? How do you think you can carve out more space for joyful moments in your life?
3. With everything we become aware of as adults—the pleasant and the unpleasant—how do you think this deeper understanding affects your perception of joy? Do you find that these complexities sometimes make joyful moments feel even more precious?
4. What are some of the simple, everyday pleasures that bring you joy? Have you thought about being more intentional in noticing and savoring these moments?
5. Life can be tough, and sometimes it's hard to stay positive. How do you balance acknowledging the challenges you face while staying open to experiencing joy and gratitude?
These questions are just a few thoughts to consider. It's always enlightening to reflect on these aspects of our emotional lives. They can help us understand ourselves better and maybe even find a little more joy along the way.
Final Thought
As we navigate the journey from childhood to adulthood, our relationship with joy inevitably changes. It may no longer come as easily or frequently, but that doesn't mean it's lost. Growing up teaches us that joy isn't just about big, obvious moments—it's also in the small, quiet ones. It's in the satisfaction of a job well done, the warmth of a genuine connection, and the simple pleasures that bring a smile to our faces. By embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, we learn to appreciate joy in all its forms. So, let's cherish those moments of joy, however, they come, and remember that they're an essential part of what makes life rich and beautiful.
Reflections by Bev Cuayzon
Bev, a devoted mother at heart, finds joy in working from home. Balancing her roles as a travel consultant, self-published author, and SEO analyst, she's deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge to empower others, particularly fellow mothers. During her journey, Bev discovered the importance of mental wellness. She realized that maintaining a healthy mind is essential for navigating the demands of work, family, and personal pursuits. |
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