THE CHILD WITHIN US AND OUR JOY

When we look at the etymology of the word "neşe" (joy), it originates from the Arabic root "nşw," and the word "naşwa," which means "intoxication, excitement, or rapture." (Source: etimolojiturkce.com)

A few years ago, during a retreat I attended, my inner child whispered to me that I needed to bring joy into my life. I was left speechless. I had experienced many emotions before, but joy had never been one of them. I could make some assumptions about what joy was not— it wasn’t excitement, it wasn’t happiness, it wasn’t peace. But I had no idea what it actually was. Despite not knowing how to recognize an emotion I thought I had never felt, I continued searching. At one point, before discovering what existential joy really meant, I decided to start looking for joy in the small things in life. I asked myself, "What makes me feel joyful?" A song from my past came to mind. It was the song that reminded me most of the feeling closest to joy. It was a tough time in my life, and in the midst of those difficult days, I made room for joy, even if just for five minutes a day, by listening to that song. I wanted to make sure I didn't forget the needs of the child within me.

Life went on, and at times, I forgot about my inner child's needs. Its whisper was always there, but I felt helpless. I knew that if I ever experienced existential joy, I would recognize it, but I couldn’t find out how joy could be created in life. Sometimes a song playing, sometimes swinging on a swing, sometimes rolling in the fields, or even just singing "la la la" while wandering around the house or hopping and jumping, these were the moments closest to joy for me. But I couldn't make space for this emotion consistently in my life. My inner child wasn’t satisfied. Even though I never forgot its voice, I knew that as long as I didn’t create more space for joy in my life, it wouldn't be happy with me. Just remembering wasn’t enough. I had to take action and keep striving to meet its needs.

This month, as a nation, we will celebrate April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. On April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey opened, marking the declaration of the sovereignty of the Turkish people. In 1929, this day began to be celebrated as Children’s Day, with the goal of giving children a "joyful" day.

I hope that this April 23, we will remember the child within us and make the intention to celebrate the day with joy.

Wishing for joy to always grow in our lives…

Gökçe YILMAZ