What is the difference between happiness and joy? An article called Joy vs. Happiness on Psychologies.co defines the difference between happiness and joy the best:
“Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are very different. Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events.”
In the journey of life, happiness is the stops along the way and the fun sights we see. Joy is a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing we’re heading in the right direction.
Why It’s Important to Know the Difference Between Happiness and Joy
To be clear, both happiness and joy are important to living a fulfilled life. If that’s the case, then why is it important to know the difference between happiness and joy? In short, if you try to live a life full of joy but think that means investing in only the more temporary or externally based events—things that bring happiness—you will miss out on the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing who you are, having a solid personal foundation, and focusing on events that bring long-lasting fulfillment.
