Perhaps I had closed myself off from joy and for most of my life, I didn’t feel its presence.

For many years, I was too much in my head and didn’t allow myself to let go.

I also had difficulty expressing my feelings to others.

I preferred to wear a poker face as a shield to protect my vulnerability.

There were only a few situations where I unconsciously relaxed a bit, mostly during parkour training or after a few drinks.

After this conversation with the coach, I began to look for ways to bring joy back into my life.

I started listening more to my intuition, spending time in nature, and doing things to make myself happy.

A little later, I learned how to experience joy and happiness whenever I choose to.

Now I can find joy and happiness within myself anytime I want.

It’s just a matter of “switching” and even though my ego sometimes resists this change, I can do it.

The truth is anyone can do it. 

And so can you.

Here’s something you might not like to hear:

To be happy and joyful is your decision.

The only problem is that we have decided we will only be happy if something happens.

We invented a condition, that has to be met in order for us to allow ourselves to feel happy.

Anyways, I started painting this artwork as part of a new series about connecting with our divine nature.

But then I saw the face for the first time and decided to leave it there.

It struck me as funny.

So I gave in and painted Joy for joy’s sake.

Now it makes me smile every time I see it.

It improves the mood of everyone in its presence and reminds us not to take life too seriously.

Pure joy and happiness are on the verge of divinity.

Making this piece go back to the divine series.

The circle is complete.