Reading the title of this post may cause you to wonder if I’ve gone completely mad!

I understand! I might even agree with you!

But I’m not talking about the kind of joy that comes when you…say…win the lottery. Or the joy that young guys feel when that special girl says “Yes” for the big date.

I’m talking about a kind of joy that, quite frankly, I’m just beginning to explore myself.

It’s more along the lines of the joy a parent feels when their baby struggles to speak his/her first words: The parents empathizes with the baby, but feels the pride in witnessing the effort the baby puts forth in his/her process of development. Like the butterfly struggling to come out of the cocoon, you can’t assist in the process…the butterfly must do it alone!

When an individual goes through tough times, it’s certainly not fun. And no, the tough experiences are NOT a source of joy…at the moment!!!

But how many stories have we heard of people going through real tough experiences and say that they came out of it “a better person for it?”

Part of the challenge of this topic is how one defines “joy.”

I’m sure you can “reminisce” about a tough experience and what part that experience played in becoming the person you are today. While not enJOYing the remembered experience, the “lessons learned” might put a nostalgic smile on your face!

I remember being told to sit down while totally blowing a presentation at work which didn’t help my standing in that organization. In fact, I was eventually fired from that organization!

But I look back at that moment, empathizing with that “unfortunate fellow” and, with a wistful grin, realizing a) I survived,  b) the time and effort that is needed to deliver a good presentation, and c) compassion and understanding for those who put on presentations.

Now, I highly appreciate a good presentation!

For PKD patients, do you now have a better appreciation of good health? If you are dialyzing or have a transplant, how much joy are you experiencing for some of the “simple pleasures,” like not not feeling rotten all the time!

How much appreciation do you have for your fellow patients of ALL health problems?

It’s the joy of understanding, empathy, appreciation, and compassion of and for the Human Condition!

It’s looking at life from the Higher Elevation and realizing, in the biggest picture, even in the midst of pain, tragedy, and loss, that each of us is part of the human drama, and can experience joy in knowing that!

Peace and Blessings!

Coach Richie Perl

Certified Professional Coach

Certified Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming