The Essence of Joy

“True joy for humanity is found in meaningful endeavors. This involves: being kind to others, disregarding fleeting desires, discerning reliable impressions, and reflecting on the natural order and events that align with it.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.26

Image created by Ann Leach

In contrast to the prevalent attitudes in affluent western cultures that prioritize leisure and recreation over labor, it is through meaningful work that we truly experience happiness.

From the moment we are born, we engage in work as we explore and understand our surroundings. In childhood, this vital work is termed play, which adults often underestimate. Although it may not seem significant to grown-ups, for children, play is of utmost importance. At that moment, it represents the best use of their time.

Typically, when we reference work, we mean our paid employment. However, work encompasses anything purposeful and fulfilling that we do, rather than simply idleness. The satisfaction derived from completing tasks is invaluable.

Upon finishing a task, we often receive a mental reward—an uplifting sense of achievement, symbolized by thoughts like “Well done!” or “I accomplished it!”

Recently, I took a stroll around my neighborhood distributing invitations for an upcoming event. It took almost three hours to deliver all 298 invitations, but when I returned home, I felt a sense of pride. It wasn't about the magnitude of the task but rather the simple fact of completing it.

As a reward, I treated myself to a warm cup of cocoa and indulged in a chapter of a novel I'm currently enjoying.

Where have you discovered joy in your life lately?

Join me in exploring The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

Ann Leach frequently writes about Home Education (Homeschooling), Stoicism, Homemaking, Minimalism, and more. She resides in Sunbury, Victoria with her daughter and two cats, cherishing afternoons with tea, time with friends, working on jigsaw puzzles, and enjoying the outdoors through walking and biking.