Chapter 1: A Lesson from College Celebrations

Years ago, I encountered a pivotal moment at a college party. Our basketball team had just celebrated a victory—at least I think we did. Regardless of the scoreboard, we always seemed to celebrate well after the game.

Amid the festivities, my friend J.B., known for his grumpy demeanor, stood apart. “Hey J.B.,” I called out, “is this your idea of a good time?”

“Man, this is how I party,” he replied. “Sipping in the corner and texting everyone how terrible this party is.” He winked.

I couldn’t help but glance at Ricky, a benchwarmer on our team. Unlike J.B., Ricky radiated joy, dancing and serving drinks with infectious energy. Even when the music softened, Ricky kept the party alive.

Days later, I asked Ricky about his enthusiasm for life. He smiled and gestured to his prosthetic leg, saying, “This reminds me of how close I was to losing everything. So, I cherish every moment, because there’s plenty of time for the end.”

Bingo! My teammates taught me a valuable lesson: what one person views as “a bad day,” another sees as “a good night.”

Chapter 2: The Art of In-joy

“The beginning of wisdom is the definition of words,” Socrates once said. When we break down the word "enjoy," we find it consists of “in” and “joy.”

Where does this joy reside? It’s all in your mind—the only space where true happiness exists. My college friends illustrated this perfectly. While J.B. was oblivious to the party atmosphere, Ricky danced to the rhythm of his own happiness.

J.B. had yet to grasp the “Art of In-joy.” Being joyful is an internal journey, much like a dentist’s work.

Chapter 3: The Mind's States of Happiness

“You don’t perceive something until you have the right metaphor,” noted James Gleick. With around 60,000 thoughts a day, most of these occur in images.

Aristotle recognized that mastering metaphors is a hallmark of intelligence, as they simplify complex ideas.

Since happiness is a mental state, we choose whether to live joyfully each day. People pursue various things—relationships, wealth, or even escapism—but all these pursuits lead back to the same destination: happiness.

One of life’s greatest paradoxes is that the source of happiness lies within ourselves, yet many overlook this.

For instance, if someone claims to love surfing but moves to Minnesota, it raises questions. Each state in the U.S. has its unique character, much like our individual “United States of Mind” (USM).

Just as Florida is known for sunshine and beaches, happiness embodies contentment, gratitude, and optimism. We cannot experience life without our minds, and just like the sun shines somewhere at all times, our mindset can illuminate even the cloudiest days.

Chapter 4: Key Takeaways

Philosophers have long argued that it is the mind that shapes our experiences, not the external world. Our state of mind influences how we feel.

Joy is simply a state of happiness. Whether we refer to it as gratitude or a positive outlook, it is essential to recognize how we approach our mental landscape.

The difference between J.B. and Ricky highlights this truth. J.B. focused on negativity, while Ricky embraced optimism and gratitude.

By starting each day with gratitude and consciously directing our attention to what we have rather than what we lack, we can shift into the sunshine state of the USM.

Remember, changing your perspective can transform your reality.

Explore the lyric video for "Good Ol' Man" by Drew Green, which encapsulates themes of joy and celebration in life.

Watch James Corden discuss life after late-night television, reflecting on perspectives and personal growth.