How To Embrace Joy In A Turbulent World

Within the world that envelops us, there inevitably exists external forces that seem to draw us away from the intrinsic qualities of love, peace, and happiness residing at the core of our being. This sentiment, at times, seems all too prevalent.

Learning about events in distant parts of the world, where devastation, injustice, and pain prevail, often proves to be a considerable challenge. These occurrences tug at our emotions, especially if they involve individuals within our personal and professional networks. Consequently, we may grapple with feelings of sadness, anger, or fear. These emotions prompt a desire within us to take action, yet sometimes, given the circumstances, there may seem to be limited options. This sense of limitation can lead to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness in aiding others during their times of need. But are we truly as powerless as we perceive ourselves to be?

On an energetic level, our capabilities extend beyond our conscious awareness. Everything is comprised of energy and is intricately linked. This energy vibrates at various frequencies, each evoking different emotional responses. Lower vibrational energy can be expressed as frustration, guilt, and shame, while higher frequencies feel like joy, harmony, and gratitude. Though invisible to our eyes, this energy can be felt spiritually and even physically through gestures like a warm touch or embrace. This energy interconnects us with every element on the planet, transcending physical boundaries. So, while you may be practicing acts of kindness in your hometown, there’s a perfect stranger on the other side of the Earth who is also reaping the energetic benefits of those acts.  

Allowing external circumstances to sway our energy can create an emotional rollercoaster with extreme highs and lows. Acknowledging that external factors lie beyond our control is vital to protecting our energy from these fluctuations. We cannot govern the actions of our partners, children, acquaintances, or even larger societal institutions such as government, economics, education, or religion. Our power lies solely in how we choose to respond to these elements. Surrendering our emotional state to their negative influence equates to relinquishing our power to choose.

In every moment, we create the life we lead with every choice we make. Simple decisions like what food you eat, the clothes you wear, or if you’re going to exercise or watch TV all contribute to the narrative of your life. I encourage you to choose your thoughts and behaviours wisely because they directly impact your emotional landscape. We possess the freedom to think and act in ways that will either align us with our inherent love, serenity, and happiness or, conversely, with emotions rooted in fear, sorrow, or resentment.

I am not suggesting that you ‘bury your head in the sand’ and avoid the unsettling events and situations around you; instead, I propose practicing self-awareness when confronting sources of stress and discomfort. Monitoring our emotional well-being becomes crucial, especially when these stressors also begin to impact us physically and mentally. In these times, redirecting our attention toward activities fostering reconnection with our joy within becomes pivotal. I refer to these as elements within your ‘happiness toolkit’—a constellation of people, places, and activities elevating your energetic resonance and restoring a sense of wholeness. What elements constitute your toolkit? Research-based tools exist to tap into internal happiness when the external world disrupts our peace. Working with a professional like a happiness life coach can facilitate the discovery of these tools. 

Taking positive action for our well-being is not selfish; it’s imperative that we do. If those we care about endure suffering, our ability to assist diminishes if we, too, experience similar struggles. If they’re drowning, can you throw them a lifeline if you need one yourself? We must always put the oxygen mask on ourselves first so we can effectively assist those we seek to support. Only when our wellness cup overflows can we extend aid effectively without compromising our ability to navigate our own lives.

Therefore, what actionable steps can you initiate today to elevate your energy and rediscover the inherent love, peace, and happiness within so that you can effectually be of service to others the way you desire? Remember that your happiness is a gift you give to yourself and everyone around you, near or far. —Teresa Greco

Teresa Greco is a certified happiness life coach, a 3X bestselling author, an international speaker, writer, and editor of a Canadian lifestyle magazine. and the host of the weekly internet TV and radio shows called “The Steps to Happiness Show With Teresa Greco” and “The Happy Hour with Teresa Greco.”  You can follow Teresa on her website at www.teresagreco.ca, Instagram page @teresagreco_stepstohappiness, and Facebook page, Steps to Happiness with Teresa Greco.