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Joy is not the result of getting what you want; it is the way to get what you want. In the deepest sense, joy is what you want.
Alan Cohen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Joy comes from the pursuit and process rather than the attainment of desires.

This quote emphasizes that true joy is not merely a byproduct of achieving our goals or desires, but rather a state of being and a continuous journey. Joy should be valued for itself, as it forms the foundation of our motivations and aspirations, suggesting that when we focus on cultivating joy in our lives, we naturally align with what we truly seek.

Themes

JoyHappinessDesiresPursuitState Of Being

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech about finding happiness in the journey of life.

More from Alan Cohen

As you recognize that you already own the wholeness you seek, and no one outside you can give you more than you already are, dysfunctional situations will evaporate like bad dreams exposed to the morning sun.
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Communication is an offering. When you tell someone your truth, you must release your expectation of what the other person should do with it. They may thank you profusely, love you forever, argue with you, or ignore you. It doesn't matter. Of course we hope the gift will be received with appreciation and thanks. But if it isn't we must not dictate. We've done our part, and we must trust the universe to do the rest.
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When you learn to say yes to yourself, you will be able to say no to others, with love.
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We attain freedom as we let go of whatever does not reflect our magnificence. A bird cannot fly high or far with a stone tied to its back. But release the impediment, and we are free to soar to unprecedented heights.
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You can be helping many people, but if you are not helping yourself, you have missed the one person you were born to heal.
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When you protect yourself from pain, be sure you do not protect yourself from love.
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