Happiness Comes And Goes, But Joy Is Forever

Do you know the difference between happiness and joy?

BY Kevin Berry

PUBLISHED May 18, 2018

Kevin Berry is an 12-year mantle cell lymphoma survivor, in his third remission. He works on Human Spaceflight programs, is a freelance writer and editor, and supports newly diagnosed patients through his ministry, Taking Vienna. He lives in Central Florida with his wife and adult children.

This is the third in my series of lessons learned from nearly 13 years of living with cancer. The first, Guilt Is Good, focused on "negative motivation" to encourage folks to get checkups, hoping for early discovery and intervention. The second, From Feeling Guilt To Feeling Good, talks about some ways to ease into a healthier lifestyle. In this episode of Better Living Through Kevin, we address the subject of joy. And happiness. And why they aren't the same.

Just a quick recap of The Life of Kevin: I'm the victim of a rare cancer called mantle cell lymphoma. I'm now past my third round of it, after two bone marrow transplants, and nearly a dozen other types of treatment. Thanks to receiving the best medical care in the world, backed by top-notch benefits, keeping right on the edge of medical science, I'm in remission for the third time, feel great, am exercising, working and completely enjoying life.

In my first offering, I addressed friends and family that don't have cancer. In the second, and in this third missive, I speak towards all people, whether they've been diagnosed or not. Here I'm going to paint a picture of how someone facing darkness can find the light through seeking joy.

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