I am enjoying a new book Happiness by Matthieu Ricard found in a charity shop when I had to wait 20 minutes for a bus. The book was waiting for me I like to think..
Joy is my word for this year and Ricard quotes various people on the difference between joy and happiness.
For me joy is happiness with an extra spark. 'We jump for joy, not for happiness.' Christope Andre.
Corneille says joy is 'a blossoming of the heart' A beautiful idea.
Paul Ekman points out the variety of feelings associated with the word joy - amusement, contentment, excitement, relief, wonder, ecstasy, exultation, radiant pride, elevation, gratitude and more (including schadenfreud - relishing someone else's suffering as in revenge).
All this from this fascinating book which I have hardly put down since buying it on Wednesday.
May your heart blossom...