In this episode, Brooke and Ben explore the definition of joy and how it differs from happiness. They discuss the impact of alcohol on experiencing joy, choosing joy as a revolutionary act, and ways to add more joy to our lives. The conversation also touches on toxic positivity, navigating frustrations, and the power of humor in diffusing tension.
Finding joy involves understanding its diverse meanings and separating it from happiness.
Acts of service towards others are key in cultivating personal joy and purpose.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode kicks off with a discussion about the hosts' new year experiences and the theme of joy for the year. Hosts share personal insights into why joy became a guiding principle for one of them based on conversations about the lack of joy in the world. They delve into exploring the concepts of joy versus happiness, reflecting on how they can be separate entities and the relevance of finding joy in various aspects of life.
Cultivating Joy Through Actions for Others
The podcast highlights the significance of doing things for others as a means to cultivate joy. Examples include volunteering, connecting with people, and expressing gratitude. The hosts recognize the impact of actions geared towards others in fostering a sense of joy and purpose, emphasizing the role of collective humanity and acts of service in elevating personal joy.
Challenges and Considerations for Joyful Living
The discussion touches on the challenges associated with maintaining joy, such as balancing personal commitments and self-care needs. The hosts share personal struggles and considerations, including the fear of letting others down, barriers to engaging in outward actions for joy, and the importance of setting boundaries for self-preservation while aiming for joy.
Exploring Work-Life Balance and the Four-Day Work Week
The episode delves into work-life balance, proposing ideas like shorter workdays and the concept of a four-day work week for enhanced productivity and well-being. The hosts discuss potential shifts in work hours, productivity rhythms, and the impact on overall personal well-being and efficiency within different work and school environments.
Today’s episode is all about joyful living. What it is, what it isn’t, how to get more of it and how it differs from happiness.
Stemming from Brooke's intention to try and find more joy in 2024, this conversation is delightfully and unexpectedly wide-ranging, and in it Ben and Brooke explore:
the definition of joy, and why it means so many different things to so many different people
why much of the literature around joy is religious or spiritual
how joy differs from happiness and how it is similar
the role that alcohol has on our ability to experience happiness and joy (and how Brooke's experience has changed since she stopped drinking)
how to adopt a lens of joy and happiness to life when you’re not a joyful person by default
why choosing joy is a revolutionary act
what the difference is between choosing joy and toxic positivity
how we can add more joy to our lives
Head over to The Tortoise for the full show notes, including links to the articles mentioned in today's episode, and if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter while you're there.