Joy is a gift for you and the world

“True joy comes from being and expressing who you really are.” – Tony Robbins

Most people believe joy is something that happens to them – as opposed to something they create.

The truth is that the gift of joy is a choice. It’s about making the conscious decision to let go of expectations about the way life “should be” and accepting the reality of how it is. Arguing with reality only guarantees pain.

When you make the decision to be happy no matter what, you become free. You begin to experience pure joy. Joy is a gift that happens in your soul when you’re in the moment and when you’ve freed yourself from the expectations of the mind. It comes from being and expressing who you really are.

The gift of joy comes naturally to us as children. We don’t need a reason to be joyful – being alive is enough. It’s time to bring back that causeless joy. You don’t need an excuse to feel good! It is human nature to be joyous, and to share that gift of joy with those you love most.

Stop getting in the way of your own happiness. Become aware of the gift of joy so that you can cultivate it within yourself and share it with others. It will transform your life and your world.

How to give yourself a gift of joy

Did you know that you can train yourself to experience the gift of joy? Joy is not a passive state – you can create your own happiness right here, right now.

1. Be present in the moment

Human beings are wired for growth. We always want more – to achieve more, create more, become more. It’s a natural part of human nature, and it helps propel us to incredible heights. Yet this yearning for more can also prevent us from embracing a gift of joy in the moment. Happiness is now. A gift of joy comes to us when we stop trying to make life something other than what it is. Realize that you don’t have the privilege to repeat this moment. Don’t chase it. Live it.

 joy is a gift family time

2. Stop making excuses

joy is a gift in life

Everyone has reasons why they can’t be happy. The truth is that joy is a gift you can commit to giving yourself – but most people are more committed to having life be a certain way than they are to being happy. Stop relying on your job, your schedule and your relationship status to make you happy. Decide right now to be joyful, be happy, find the good and appreciate rather than judge. It’s the most important decision you’ll make in this lifetime.

3. Appreciate the small things

When you’re given a gift of joy, everything changes. Life can go from feeling dull and boring to feeling vivid and exciting. You don’t have to climb Mount Everest or jump out of a plane to find this feeling. Joy can be found in the small things: appreciating a beautiful sunset. Listening to your favorite song. You can even bring joy into your life at any time. As Tony says, emotion is created by motion. Change your physiology. Do something silly. Tap into your child-like curiosity. Be playful. Stand up and celebrate your victories. Whatever you do, always practice gratitude.

couple enjoying sunset with joy

Helping others discover that joy is a gift

Life is hard. We all experience pain. Yet the power of joy cannot be denied. The ability to laugh in moments of stress and find gratitude in moments of sadness is one of the most powerful skills you can learn to create a life of fulfillment.

Kevin Hart

Comedian Kevin Hart believes that “Laughter heals all wounds, and that’s one thing that everybody shares. No matter what you’re going through, it makes you forget about your problems.” Hear Kevin tell Tony about his journey to becoming the man he is today and more about the power of laughter.

Dani Klein

Following her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Dani Klein hired a comedian to work regularly with her mom – and the impact on her quality of life was undeniable. Now Dani and a team of comedians are bringing this experience to other patients. On the Tony Robbins Podcast episode “How to Find Your Light,” hear Dani’s story of how laughter helps create joy, plus another from a woman that’s helping others heal, connect and experience joy through music.

Global Youth Leadership Summit

Tony Robbins has dedicated his life to giving back and serving more. He started the Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) to help students overcome limiting beliefs and harness their positive emotions and lead others to do the same. The GYLS is an immersive five-day program that gives teens ages 14 to 16 the opportunity to cultivate skills that will change their lives and communities. Learn more about how to participate and help others find the gift of joy.

Joy is a gift that you can give to yourself and others today. How will you begin to live your life from a place of total happiness and gratitude?

What’s your top need that drives your life?

In order to fully use and share our gifts, we must understand how our human needs shape our thoughts, behaviors and actions. Take this free quiz to discover your top human need and how it shapes you.