Embracing Joy in Life’s Journey By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Embracing Joy in Life’s Journey

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Life often places us at the crossroads of choice, urging us to decide whether we will be swayed by the trials of existence or uplifted by the joy that lies within us. Choosing joy can seem an almost insurmountable task when life's challenges engulf us. We all have faced moments where joy seemed like a distant dream, where the weight of worry, depression, anxiety, stress, and frustration threatened to overwhelm us. These emotions can diminish our sense of worth, making it difficult to remember that joy is not just a fleeting feeling but a state of being we are meant to embody.

Imagine walking into your mother’s kitchen while she is preparing a meal. It is nearly impossible to leave without the aroma clinging to your clothes, a reminder to everyone you encounter that you were near something delicious being cooked. Similarly, when we dwell in the kitchen of despair, the stench of worry, stress, and negativity permeates our spirits. Just as flies are drawn to the smell of food, spiritual pests are attracted to the lingering odors of our emotional turmoil, following us and intensifying our distress. These 'spiritual flies'—our worries, anxieties, and fears—are relentless, and unless we open the window to let them out or take decisive action to eliminate them, they will continue to torment us.

We cannot afford to linger in these kitchens of emotional despair. If we do, we risk having our spiritual garments hijacked by the odors of negativity, which in turn affect our physical well-being. I know it is not easy to avoid these kitchens, especially when life's circumstances seem to drive us there. Often, our outlook on a situation contributes significantly to our distress. Yet, amidst all these, we have the power to choose joy. This choice involves shifting our focus from the relentless pursuit of fleeting happiness to the enduring expression of joyfulness, regardless of our circumstances.

Yes, the world is replete with its ups and downs, and we all face times when life's burdens weigh heavily upon us. But even in moments of darkness, even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we must hold on to our faith and fear no evil. We must learn to smile through it all, to dance in the rain, and to embrace joy as a conscious, empowering choice. Picture a time when you felt utterly lost, drowning in sorrow, yet found a glimmer of hope—a moment when you closed your eyes, opened your heart, and felt an inexplicable embrace from the universe, a hug from the hands of the Creator.

When despair surrounds you, choose joy. Close your eyes, open your heart, and allow yourself to receive the Creator’s embrace. Cry if you must, but let your tears be those of joy, even if you don’t fully understand the reasons behind them. Step into the kitchen of love, joy, blessings, mercy, grace, and healing. Let these divine fragrances envelop your being, both physically and spiritually, just as a beautiful flower’s scent attracts bees that spread its pollen. In the same way, your joy will radiate, touching and uplifting those around you.

Choose joy. Choose gratitude. Choose thankfulness. Understand that these choices are vital. They are not just fleeting moments of positive thinking but transformative states that can pull you out of the quicksand of despair. Picture yourself as a beautiful flower, spreading your sweet aroma to others in the garden of life. Just as the bees are attracted to the flower’s scent, carrying its pollen far and wide, your joy can inspire and elevate those around you.

It is essential to recognize the importance of not allowing moments of despair and confusion to pull you under like an alligator dragging its prey. Even if you are not yet in the stadium of your ultimate destination, tailgate as if you are there. Celebrate life, anticipate joy, and act with the confidence that your current state is not your final state. Your journey is ongoing, and every step you take in joy is a step towards a more fulfilling existence.

I don’t know your specific story, nor can I imagine all the trials you have endured. I cannot fully grasp the depths of your struggles or the heights of your triumphs. However, I am certain of one thing: the Creator has been faithful. There is an undeniable embrace from the hands of the universe that holds you and me alike. This embrace is a constant reminder of the love and support that surrounds us, even when we feel isolated and alone.

Reflect on those moments when life felt unbearable, yet somehow, you found the strength to continue. Recall the times when, despite overwhelming odds, you discovered a spark of joy within you. This inner joy is not dependent on external circumstances; it is a manifestation of your connection to the divine. It is a testament to your resilience and your ability to find light even in the darkest of times.

Shifting from the pursuit of happiness to the expression of joyfulness requires a conscious decision to focus on what is good and uplifting in life. It involves acknowledging the challenges without allowing them to define your existence. It means choosing to see the beauty in everyday moments, to appreciate the small blessings, and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude.

Think about a time when you felt truly grateful. Maybe it was a moment of quiet reflection, a time spent with loved ones, or an unexpected act of kindness. These moments are the building blocks of joy. They remind us that joy is not found in the grand gestures or the perfect circumstances, but in the simple, everyday experiences that touch our hearts.

Choosing joy also involves letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives. It means trusting that the Creator has a plan for us, even when we cannot see it. It is about surrendering to the flow of life and finding peace in the midst of uncertainty. This surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our faith and trust in the divine.

Imagine yourself standing by a river, watching the water flow effortlessly around obstacles. The river does not force its way; it flows with grace and ease, finding its path naturally. In the same way, we must learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace, trusting that we will find our way through. By embracing this mindset, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing joy, even in difficult times.

When we choose joy, we also choose to be a source of light for others. Our joy becomes contagious, inspiring those around us to find their own happiness. We become beacons of hope, showing that it is possible to live a joyful life despite the hardships we face. Our joy has the power to uplift, to heal, and to transform not only our own lives but the lives of those we touch.

In your journey, remember that joy is not a destination but a way of life. It is a choice we make every day, a conscious decision to embrace the positive and let go of the negative. It is about finding beauty in the mundane, savoring moments of peace, and celebrating the simple joys that make life worth living.

As you reflect on your own life, consider the ways in which you can cultivate more joy. What brings you happiness? What makes you feel truly alive? How can you incorporate more of these experiences into your daily routine? By intentionally seeking out joy, you create a life that is rich, fulfilling, and deeply meaningful.

Choosing joy does not mean ignoring the challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. It means acknowledging the difficulties while also recognizing the blessings. It means finding strength in the midst of adversity and allowing yourself to feel joy, even when it seems elusive. It is about living with an open heart, ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

In the end, our lives are defined not by the challenges we face, but by how we respond to them. By choosing joy, we demonstrate our resilience, our faith, and our connection to the divine. We show that, no matter what life throws our way, we have the power to rise above it and find happiness within ourselves.

So, my dear reader, I encourage you to choose joy. Embrace it with all your heart and let it guide your path. Know that you are loved, supported, and held by the hands of the universe. Your joy is a gift to the world, a light that can brighten even the darkest of days. Live in joy, for it is the essence of who we are meant to be.