What is my purpose and how do I create more joy in my life?

Have you ever asked yourself either, or both of these questions? Have you ever felt lonely, yet you were surrounded by wonderful people in your life?
My journey to self-discovery began in my mid-thirties, with the asking of these questions. I had so much to be grateful for—a good husband and two beautiful healthy children. Yet, I kept feeling this constant nagging of wanting and needing “something more” in my life. My life felt chaotic, and busy, and I felt like I was always in a hurry, yet I was working only part time. I wanted my husband to “change”, to be more like I wanted him to be; to mold into the type of person that I felt he should be—that would make me happier... I felt this sense of sadness, (though not a serious depression) but enough that it caused a stirring deep within my soul, and I began to ask myself some questions like, “ Is this it? Is this what I am to experience? Are we not meant to experience joy and fulfillment?’ JOY became my word, and I was determined to discover how I could create more joy in my life. I guess I made this known to people around me because I began to receive little gifts for Christmas and my birthday with the theme of Joy!
One of the first books I began to read which gave me great comfort, and began to provide me with some answers, and a way to implement a sense of peace, calmness and acceptance, was a book that was given to me by a very dear friend of mine. It was Sarah Ban Breathnach’s “Simple Abundance—A daybook of comfort and Joy. “ I began a new habit, awaking a little earlier each morning, to give myself the gift of having a little time to myself. I would make my cup of java, light a candle, and sit in beautiful silence reading the day’s message, followed by a little time for stillness and reflection. And so began my journey to a happier, more fulfilling life…
Inspiration: Every day, you must choose to be happy—you create your joy from within…