Reading Living the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron I came across this quote which really stuck with me;
Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.” – Eckhart Tolle
In a lot of ways pleasure is easy to find; a hot shower, a cup of coffee (if you drink it, I don’t), good chocolate, a hug. Joy is something deeper and doesn’t necessarily need a cause in the same way that pleasure does.
I’ve found joy in being myself. When I lean into my neurodivergence, don’t try to be “normal” and follow my passions it’s so much more than pleasure. There’s a lightness that comes with joy and an ease.
Patting a dog gives me pleasure; being the person that wants to engage with every dog and give them that pat is the thing that gives me joy. You could say it’s about intention or situation rather than what you do.
In short: Be you. Find joy.