I read a recent Facebook post in complete harmony with the many thoughts and unfinished words tap dancing in my head. The post was a reminder to not allow our joy to be hijacked and jaded by outside sources. We have a tendency to view joy and happiness as a synonym and that is just not true.

Commercials, movies and magazines all seek to sell their idea of joy for a profit, of course. We are a society star-struck with Hollywood, reality shows and any get-rich scheme that promises wealth, success and notoriety.  It perpetrates an illusion of joy, but nothing is farther from the truth.

I don’t have a psychology degree, but since universities now gift college credits based on life experience, I have more than enough credits in ‘hijacked joy’ to have earned my Master’s degree. So allow me to share the ways, I believe, we circumvent our joy.

Nothing hijacks joy faster than:

• Never taking a break from worries to focus on things we love to do
• Directing attention to what is not right in life instead of all the wonderful moments
• Failure to see joy as a combination of faith, love, and accountability
• Not understanding the difference between joy and happiness
• Living with an expectation that others, not you, are responsible for your joy

I will bet a nickel, you can relate to at least one, or more, of these scenarios.

Joy is something found deep within our heart and spirit; it is what I call the ‘Center of Self’. It is not about fleeting moments of contentment and happiness. True joy sustains us in all the unexpected splashes in the pool of life; how we respond will have a ripple effect on those around us.

Has your joy been hijacked; do you want it back? That process begins by realigning our choices to the true meaning of joy. Here is my RX for joy based on life experience.

• Strip away the expectation of others
• Replace fear with faith
• Pursue your passion
• A grateful heart changes the mindset from negative to positive
• Align your life with your true desires; find your purpose
• Be open to the unexpected
• Remain in the present
• Forgive and let go of grudges
• Focus on what is right in a situation, rather than what is wrong
• Allow Jesus into your life; He is the founder of joy

As you deal with the big splashes and small ripples of life, I pray you find lasting joy. The Lord stands ready to be your strength and fill your RX for joy.  He holds a doctorate in ‘hijacked joy’ and longs to consume you with a peace that surpasses human understanding.