Joy is a Choice

By: Betty Dangler
Tuesday, January 25, 2022

I was reading an article by Deepak Chopra, an Indian-born doctor and author. He suggested that we

can create a “pandemic of joy”. This idea aroused my curiosity so I had to read on. He went on to ask:

“Are you acting only for personal pleasure, or are you making other people happy?”

 

Deepak Chopra shared that “it is very easy to make other people happy if you follow the four A’s. “

One: Attention. “Listen to other people. Give them your full attention.”

Two: Appreciation. “Be grateful for the people who are in your lives and whom you care about.”

Three: Affection. “Tell the people who you care about that you love them. Share your affection with

them.                                  

 Four: Acceptance. “Don’t try to change other people, because it is hard enough for you to try to change  yourself.”

Deepak Chopra believes that if you keep these four things in mind, you can start to create a pandemic of

joy in your own life.

 

As I thought more about his ideas, I thought about the journey of those grieving a loss of a loved one.

These four A’s can not only help those who are grieving but also those who are trying to help grievers.

To be “other-centered” helps you move in a more positive direction during the healing process.

Once you start to move in a more positive direction, you can begin to feel more peace. You can also give

yourself permission to feel joy.

 

Would you be willing to help create a “pandemic of joy?”

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