In your own words

[Medusa]

Greetings!
I'm working on a project which could use your input. Could you please tell me in your own words what joy is to you? Write as little or as much as you like. I'm writing an article that may develop into a book and will need your written permission to print what you write. I realize we're all so busy nowadays but if you can find the time, I'd appreciate your thoughts on joy.

[slleipnir]

Joy is looking into the faces of my fur babies.

[kuhio98]

Joy to me is the feeling I get when I believe that my actions and/or contributions to a situation had a postive impact. It could be as simple as smiling to a stranger on the street. I feel joy when I believe I have made a difference. When I have contributed -- not contaminated -- a situation.

[mike001]

Joy to me is waking up in the morning knowing God gave me another day with my loves ones.
It is being with family and sharing special occasions with them.
It is seeing the faces of the eldery or shut ins light up when I visit with my dog.
Joy is watching yet another beautiful sunrise or sunset.It is looking around and seeing the beauty God created for everyone to enjoy.
Joy is helping my friends and family .


I'VE BEEN BOO'D

[Whisk_Luva]

Joy to me is watching my mentally handicapped sister go through life with a big smile on her face- no matter what happens, she is always giggling

Joy is opening my pets cage to see them staring back at me and knowing that I have another great day of cuddles with them

If I think of anymore I will post them

[Hellow]

Joy to me is seeing all of my fur babies every day. Joy is also knowing that you have helped someone out with somthing.

[Karen]

Joy is the bubbling up of your spirit
That effortlessly lifts your cheeks into a smile
It is soul-deep glee
It is happiness multiplied exponentially
Joy is the news of a healthy babe's arrival
Joy is the birdsong that greets a new day
Joy is making a loved one happy
Joy is love returned

[CathyBogart]

Joy is riding through the hills, feeling the wind, thinking of nothing but what is around the next bend.

[columbine]

Joy is when I can let go of all the rotten stuff that I can't do anything about, all the rotten stuff that I could do more about, and all the rotten stuff that I've actually caused, and just be a part of all the goodness that surrounds me. It comes unexpectedly with the scent of woodsmoke on the first cool day in autumn, in the middle of the night when I wake to hear my cat snoring peacefully down by my feet, or just at the sound of a song I really like. I'm so "Lawful-Good" that you couldn't even cast me in a game without lousing up the story; too hyperresponsible to experience flat-out joy that often. But when I do, I really appreciate it!

Love, Columbine

[Sevaede]

Joy is connecting at the heart.

[rg_girlca]

What JOY is too me.

JOY is hearing "I love you" from both my sons as they kiss me goodbye.
JOY is coming home from a hard day at work and my furbabies come to greet me.
JOY is seeing a beautiful rainbow after a soft rainfall.
JOY is waking up to a beautiful summer morning.
JOY is sitting on the beach, listening to the waves.
JOY is seeing a smile on my closest friends baby boy's face.
JOY is giving a hug.
JOY is being with my family on any given day.
JOY is remembering the good times in my life.
JOY is having friends who understand me.
JOY is when I see an elderly couple walking down the street holding hands.
JOY is when I find the perfect home for the cats I rescue off the street.
JOY is when sometimes I fall asleep with a smile on my face thinking about the fabulous day I had.

[Grace]

Joy is -

The music of Mozart
The first snowfall of the winter
Snuggling with my husband in front of the fire
Snuggling with any of the cats
2004 - when the Red Sox won the World Series
My grandsons

[cassiesmom]

Joy (Merriam-Webster) - a source or cause of delight
Joy (Elyse) ...
The season the '07 Cubs have had!
Photos of beloved Pet Talk pets (including - but not limited to - kfamr's and Glacier's dogs, Catmandu's cats)
Being able to take a piece of music and play (or sing) it excellently. Example: about 15 years ago I was in the chorus for a performance of Orff's 'Carmina Burana'. As we got into it I knew we were just nailing it. At the very end the conductor cut the last chord off and just stood there with his arms still raised, and no one moved. That was a joy-filled moment for me. Something just connected.
Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Marches, specifically Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa) and the Radetzky March (Johann Strauss Sr.)
Something side-splittingly funny.
Standing on the deck of a cruise ship and looking up at a perfectly starry night sky.
Waiting at the side of the podium to hear my name called and receive my MSN degree. Hard work paid off.
My nieces and nephew (ages 15, 16, 26 and 23, respectively). I love the people they've become.
Cassie Cat ... waking up around 1:30 or 2 AM to find her with her bum tucked into the bend of my elbow. Hearing her meow or purr. Watching her sleep.
Watching my 70-something parents dancing together. they're great dance partners and great life partners.


As Slick said:

If any of this is worthy of inclusion on your book, you have my consent to use any part of this post.

Where do I line up for the book signing??

[moosmom]

Joy to me is watching my 31 year old cancer survivor daughter live her life to the fullest.

Joy is the feeling I get when a feral cat I've been working to socialize walks into my hand for a pet.

Joy is waking up everyday to a new challenge and meeting it.

Joy is the feeling I get when I smell cigar smoke, knowing my Dad is there watching over me.

Joy is waking up in the morning after a dream about my family.

Joy is the love I get from my furbabies.

[Marigold2]

Joy is a hot shower in the morning

Sleeping in

My children safe and happy and whole

My flowers blooming on a summer day

Soft gentle snowfall in the wee hours of the morning

Joy is laughing till your belly hurts

Joy is the sound of a friends voice

Joy is a fresh baked cookie with a cup of coffee

Joy is opening up the bedroom door and having two bunnies hop to me

Joy is my cat kissing my face in the morning to wake me.

Joy is being loved by my children and animals.