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This piece of content is in response to the free write topic for 1/7/2025- Injection of Joy.
The Ocean Gives me Joy
The Ocean is a place far from the vast desert in which I live. I used to reside by the coast, and made it a point to visit those I love who call the shore their home. To me, the ocean is a source of joy and memories of times spent with those I love.
In my experience, joy is a state of mind that persists while happiness is fleeting and is usually based upon an external stimulus or reward. I can spend a day or a week by the shore and feel a persistent joy. I miss the Ocean sometimes, and being there feels mellow. Where I live there is rarely a disruption to the tranquil blue skies, and sometimes I crave a windy stormy day.
The presence of the raging waves or a tranquil Summer beach visit is an injection of joy into my life. As a kid I spent countless hours by the beach, and the joy and contentment I feel today is likely an extension of those memories. My joy comes from the memories and the cessation of work during this time. It also comes from the time I spend there with family and the stark difference there from my daily life and experiences. Watching storms roll by is endlessly fascinating to me, and in the desert that is a rare and seasonal time.
Pursue joy and passion over happiness. To me, one's location can be as important to joy as any other factor. Despite all this, I will remain the the desert as my life is here and so is my occupation.