People Need Joy

"People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more." - Margaret Collier Graham

How often do we think about providing our children with joy? And yet joy is as essential as clothing to sustain the life of our children. A joyful Child is more apt to become a creative and productive adult than a joyless child. A joyful home nourishes the spirits of all who enter as well as all who abide there.

Source of Joy

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile is the source of your joy. - Thich Nhat Hanh

This Buddhist holy man knows that we can change our moods by changing our behavior. Sometimes our joy comes from a simple decision to act kindly, give unsparingly or smile broadly. Too often we overvalue spontaneity and undervalue the decision to practice being joyful.