Can the words happiness and joy be used synonymously?
The definition of happiness is a state of well-being and contentment, whereas joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Including the word “joy” in its definition, secularly, happiness appears to mean the same thing as joy. However, as a Catholic, I find distinct differences between the two; happiness is a fleeting emotion, whereas joy has an eternal nature.
Happiness can be detrimental due to its fleeting nature. In the modern era, this is often seen through things such as receiving gifts, growing wealth or achieving a goal. I have fallen victim to attempts to grasp the fleeting nature of happiness, particularly in the ever-evolving world of today’s consumer culture.
Seeking that temporary excitement, I often buy clothes, shoes and products because of the way they appeal to me in the store or online. This almost always changes by the time I wear or use the item a couple of times.
Why do I continue to cave? I attribute this to the ease: I buy the item and instantly have a sense of happiness. It requires almost no effort on my part, and I can purchase a new item the moment the enjoyment of the first one fades.
Today’s retail world has captured the fragility of human self-discipline. While consumer culture is a common vice for my generation, it is not the only one. I recently came across a post that asked teenage girls to finish the following sentence: “I will be happy when…” Some of the answers were things such as: “…when I am thinner,” “…when I have a boyfriend,” and “…when I get into college.”
This question is problematic because it invites a mindset preoccupied with chasing happy feelings instead of focusing on cultivating genuine joy. The question is not the only concerning factor; the temporary nature of happiness is evident in the answers provided by the young girls. Joy, as previously noted, is enduring and obtained through a relationship with Christ. Another thing that sets it apart from happiness is the type of effort required to achieve it properly, an effort that is consistently fostered. Unlike happiness, joy is not contingent on circumstances and is not only felt, but also chosen. Furthermore, joy can coexist with sadness.
Choosing joy is hard when my current state does not align with my plans or expectations. This is where my surrender to God’s plan comes into play. I chose to surrender in a similar way to how I chose joy. Attempting to control my situation and cultivating a fleeting happiness shies away from addressing the root issue.
My start to high school was challenging due to a variety of unforeseen circumstances. I sought out small moments of happiness to distract myself from hurt. After chasing happiness and seeking joy in material things, I realized it was time for me to surrender fully. In some ways, I feel as though I chose joy because I had no other option, but I did so through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Happiness is a feeling; it does not persist; it is contingent upon current situations. On the contrary, joy is chosen, it is eternal, it endures through sadness, and it is found in the Lord. So I pose the question again: can the words happiness and joy be used synonymously?
Oakley Wilbur is a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Little Rock and attends Mount St. Mary Academy.
