Years ago, I caught onto the idea of writing a personal constitution, after reading several recommendations that doing so would add some clarity and purpose to one’s life. After much reflection, I decided that my life’s purpose was to create opportunities for joy, happiness, and laughter.
Here’s what I wrote for that personal constitution.
I am a joy-bringer. A peacemaker. An empathizer. A communicator. A caregiver.
I personally find joy by:
- Choosing happiness, even in adverse situations
- Keeping my sense of humor
- Always learning and improving
- Managing my finances to be secure but not extravagant
- Enjoying the moment without sacrificing the future
- Bringing joy to others
I personally create opportunities for joy in others by
- Empathizing with others to understand what they need for joy
- Resolving conflicts that stifle joy
- Coaching others to improve and become joy-bringers themselves
- Sharing my gift of music
When making a decision, I ask…
- Will it bring more joy?
- Does it only give short-term joy while sacrificing long-term joy?
- Does it bring joy to me without taking joy from others?
There is joy…
- in a job well done
- in a strong partnership with my wife
- in guiding my children’s growth
- in working together with a group to accomplish something greater
- in a relaxing vacation
- in a clean house
- in teaching my family to recognize/choose happiness and to find joy in life
- in solving problems of communication at work and aligning departments to do their jobs (so they can find joy in them)
- in helping Otherworld participants learn about themselves
- in singing and making/writing music
- in a stable financial situation
- when everything is in its place
- when I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it
Roles: Father. Husband. Musician. Marketing leader. Friend. Fraternity brother. Son. Brother. Otherworld staff-member. Citizen.
The Joys of JJFoley 