Commitment to Joy

When I was transforming my life, I read somewhere that “your purpose in life is to experience Joy! That’s all that’s required of you as a soul”.

How doe this sit with you at this stage of your life?

For me, when I first read it, I felt extreme discomfort.

Not surprising as at that time, I had many preconceived and/ or imprinted beliefs about our greater purpose here on earth. Also unconsciously, I had adopted the identity of a suffering martyr. Perhaps those beliefs and identity served me to help me get through an arduous and more angst-than-joy relationship/ marriage.

Likewise, for many clients and people I chat with, the idea that it is our given birthright to feel joy feels unnatural.

Internal	External	Cognitive & Psychological
Limiting beliefs: Stories like “I must earn joy” or “I’m not worthy of happiness” can quietly sabotage well-being. Negative self-talk: Our inner critic whispering “not enough” can drown out joy’s voice. Perfectionism: The pursuit of flawless outcomes can eclipse the delight found our commitment. Emotional suppression: Avoiding difficult emotions often numbs our capacity to feel joy fully. Over-identification with roles: When identity is fused with productivity or caregiving, joy may feel indulgent or unsafe.	Cultural conditioning: In some contexts, joy is seen as frivolous or secondary to duty and achievement. Toxic environments: Spaces lacking psychological safety or emotional generosity can stifle joy’s emergence. Comparison culture: Social media and societal metrics can distort what joy looks like, making it feel out of reach. Chronic stress or burnout: When the nervous system is in survival mode, joy becomes physiologically harder to access.	Desire and craving: Constant yearning for more can eclipse the joy of what already is. Aversion and resistance: Pushing away discomfort can also push away the possibility of joy. Restlessness and distraction: A scattered mind struggles to dwell in the present, where joy lives. Doubt and cynicism: Skepticism toward joy especially in a world of suffering can feel like a protective stance but often isolates us from it.

Looking back, ironically it was the absence of joy in my marital life which made me wished for a different life. That desire to feel joy and be congruently alive in all aspects of my life provided me with the courage to make a change.

Having gone through multiple transitions in my life, when I read the statement now, I am able to wholeheartedly embrace it.

Making a commitment does not mean choosing a joy-less path. Some moments may have greater amounts of joy, some moments less.

But never an absence of it.

Even the mystics and spiritualists believed in joy in their chosen pathway.

An example is St. Teresa of Ávila, a16th-century Spanish mystic, reformer, and Carmelite nun. While her life was a one of deep commitment to spiritual discipline, community reform and contemplative prayer yet she radiated joy even in the midst of suffering and rigorous devotion. She once wrote: “God, deliver me from sullen saints.” I smiled when I read her statement as I have met some truly sullen religious leaders in my time. And also others who radiate joy like her.

Her writings often describe mystical union with God as ecstatic, playful and deeply nourishing. She danced between discipline and delight.

Another example is Julian of Norwich, the English anchoress and mystic. Despite living through the Black Death and personal illness, she penned: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”

Her commitment to anchoring herself in divine love didn’t lead to despair but to a radical, joyful trust in goodness.

Whichever pathway we choose or commit to, your soul has to experience joy in the doing. Otherwise unknowingly, resentment can seep in with its bitterness undertones to your life.

Choose Joy and Keep Choosing It Everyday

Reflection

How can I stay devoted to meaningful work without losing the playful and life-giving spark that sustains me?
Where have I mistaken obligation for commitment and how might reclaiming joy shift that dynamic?
What kind of commitment deepens and not diminishes my joy?

Action

In Week 37 Sunshine Inbox (10.9.25), I shared about Pivoting New Pathways. Paul Chen, a club member, posted the following sharing in our FB group. I know that not all members are on that page, so I like to use this opportunity to share his impactful sharing which aligns to today’s Sunshine Inbox on joy.

Thank you Paul for making time to share your inspiring story. Such different pivots that you’ve made and it takes courage indeed. I love reading your posts about your latest pivot to pet business and it is clear that you find great joy in this new commitment. 😊

Paul’s Sharing:

I resonated with B’s post this morning. Being someone who is now on my 3rd career pivot, I acknowledged the need to address our fears.

When I just ended my 12 year career in Telecommunications to pivot to Financial Education, I had to give up a comfortable 5 figure monthly salary. It took me 3 years to finally make the jump!

Fear I have to negotiate with:

1) Loss of steady income
2) Status – I was holding a Sales VP title at that time
3) Fear of the unknown – I am interested in finance and education but not sure if I can teach!

Taking the leap takes courage, faith and a lot of support from the family.

After almost 10 years in financial education, I once again decided to pivot to my passion pet business last year in April, again I have my fears to negotiate with, primarily:

1) It is hard work, with less financial returns
2) I don’t know the industry well
3) You downgraded from being a speaker to a worker

That being said, I think this is the best career move in terms of fulfillment that i have made so far!

I think my key takeaway is, ” Acknowledge and face the fear, if you really have the heart to do it, you will find a way”

Thank you B for giving me this platform to share

Practice for the Week

Send a message or make a call to someone who exudes joy in what they do and who they are. Affirm and appreciate them for radiating joy in a world that needs it.