The Positive Emotion I Feel Most Often

Daily writing prompt

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood. Today’s writing prompt question is fascinating:
“What positive emotion do you feel most often?”

As I sat down to reflect on this question, my thoughts wandered through the corridors of my day-to-day life — from morning rituals to twilight reflections, from creative pursuits to quiet moments with loved ones.

And the answer that echoed in my heart with certainty was this: Joy.

Yes, joy is the positive emotion I feel most often. But it is not the loud, exuberant kind that comes from winning a lottery or achieving a lifelong dream.

It’s the quiet joy, the kind that tiptoes into your life through small, beautiful moments — a kind smile, a poem written in solitude, the scent of a cup of mint tea, or a child’s giggle echoing in the background.

The Nature of Joy

Joy is a deeply personal and spontaneous emotion. Unlike fleeting pleasures, joy doesn’t necessarily depend on external achievements. It often arises unexpectedly — sometimes from the simplest things.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that joy is not a destination; it is a way of traveling.

In my retired life, I have the freedom to slow down and notice these subtle waves of happiness. There is immense joy in painting a canvas with no fixed outcome in mind.

There is joy in dancing with my partner under the evening sky, or in watching raindrops race each other on the windowpane.

These are not grand events — they are everyday blessings. And that is what makes them magical.

Why Joy Comes Easily Now

There was a time when I, like many, ran the race of life — chasing promotions, meeting deadlines, and juggling responsibilities. Joy was there too, but often hidden beneath the weight of expectations.

Retirement has brought me a gift: the gift of awareness. With fewer distractions and more time for introspection, I can pause and appreciate life’s little wonders.

I find joy in writing heartfelt poems or sharing blogs with you all. There is joy in connecting with readers who relate to my words, who feel seen or comforted by something I’ve written.

This exchange of emotion is not just fulfilling — it is a reminder that we are all deeply connected.

The Role of Gratitude in Nurturing Joy

I believe that gratitude and joy walk hand in hand. When we are grateful, we open ourselves to experience more joy.

Gratitude helps me recognize the abundance in my life — a healthy morning walk, a call from a friend, a hug from my granddaughter, or even the silence of early dawn.

By focusing on what’s right rather than what’s lacking, I allow joy to blossom.

This doesn’t mean that challenges don’t come my way. They do — health issues, uncertainties, and occasional loneliness visit like uninvited guests.

But the joy I cultivate keeps my spirit resilient. I no longer wait for life to be perfect to feel good; I choose to feel good as often as I can — and joy makes that possible.

Joy vs. Happiness: A Subtle Distinction

Many people confuse joy with happiness, but I see them as siblings with different personalities.

Happiness is often tied to circumstances — it arrives when things go our way. But joy is deeper; it is not tied to “what is happening” but to “how I’m being.”

Joy is the laughter that rises from a memory, even during a tough time. It is the calm you feel when you’re alone but not lonely. It is the inner warmth when your heart is aligned with your purpose.

This is the joy I feel most often — not because life is always easy, but because I’ve learned to tune into the melody beneath the noise.

Spreading the Joy

One of my biggest realizations has been this: Joy multiplies when shared. When I share a poem, a story, or a painting with someone, I’m not just expressing myself — I’m offering a piece of joy.

When I compliment, encourage, or listen to someone, I bring joy to their lives. Isn’t that a lovely way to live?

Final submission

So, what positive emotion do I feel most often? Without a doubt — Joy.

It visits me daily in unexpected ways. It anchors me during storms and lifts me on ordinary days. It reminds me that life doesn’t have to be grand to be beautiful — it just needs to be noticed, felt, and appreciated.

I invite you, dear reader, to pause today and ask yourself:
What moment brought you joy today?

Maybe it was a song, a breeze, or a smile. Whatever it was — cherish it. And let it remind you that joy is never far away.

With warmth and joy,
Vijay Verma
 www.retiredkalam.com

Categories: infotainment

Tags: #Life, #Love, #mental health, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-2032, featured, writing