“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.”  How many times have you told yourself, “If I just get that promotion, I’ll be happy” or “If I just find the right person, I’ll finally be content”? We live in a world that tells us happiness is something to be chased—a destination we will one day reach if we just keep running toward the next big thing. But what happens when we get there and still feel empty? Why do so many people who apparently have it all—money, success, fame—still struggle with a deep sense of unfulfillment? Ross Palfreyman’s book, Joy in the Brambles, challenges the very foundation of this constant chase of happiness. He makes a powerful distinction: happiness is fleeting, while joy is lasting. In a society that constantly pushes us to pursue more, Palfreyman offers a fresh and much-needed perspective—one that shifts the focus from chasing happiness to encouraging joy through faith, service, and meaningful connections.

In today’s world, happiness is marketed as the ultimate life goal. We are constantly told that we need to earn more money, buy the latest gadgets, or achieve social status to be happy. Advertisers sell us the dream that once we have enough—enough success, enough beauty, enough possessions—we will finally feel complete. But the problem is, happiness that is based on external circumstances is always temporary. This is why so many people experience what’s known as the “arrival fallacy”—the mistaken belief that once they reach a certain goal, they will be happy forever. A person who works tirelessly to afford a luxurious house might feel ecstatic when they move in, but within a few months, they start thinking about an even bigger home. A professional who dreams of a high-paying job might feel a sense of accomplishment at first, but soon, they begin craving an even better position. The cycle never ends.

So, what is the difference between happiness and joy? The answer lies in where they come from and how long they last. Happiness is external. It is often triggered by situations, achievements, or material possessions. It comes and goes based on circumstances. Joy is internal. It comes from within, shaped by values, faith, and a sense of purpose. Unlike happiness, joy can exist even in difficult times. For example, buying a new car or going on vacation might make you happy, but that feeling fades once the novelty wears off. In contrast, helping someone in need or building a strong connection with God brings a kind of fulfillment that does not depend on external rewards.

Society often conditions us to believe that the more we have, the happier we will be. But in reality, chasing more can sometimes leave us feeling even more empty. Psychologists call this the hedonic treadmill—a phenomenon where we quickly adapt to new levels of happiness, making us crave even more. This explains why people who win the lottery often return to their previous level of happiness within a year. The excitement fades, and they find themselves needing something else to bring back that feeling. Palfreyman warns against this endless chase in Joy in the Brambles, encouraging readers to seek joy in service rather than material gain. He argues that true joy is found not in accumulating more, but in giving more—whether it be through acts of kindness, faith, or relationships.

If happiness fades while joy endures, how can we make the shift toward a more joyful life? Here are some lessons inspired by Joy in the Brambles:

Ross Palfreyman has given readers a thought-provoking and transformational book that challenges mainstream ideas about happiness. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, have more, and be more, Joy in the Brambles offers a refreshing counterpoint: joy is not something we chase—it is something we enrich. Instead of providing shallow advice on how to “find happiness,” Palfreyman dives deep into the spiritual and emotional foundations of true fulfillment. He presents practical, real-life strategies for readers to shift their focus from external pleasure to inner peace. This book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they are running after happiness but never quite catching it. If you are tired of the endless chase and want to discover a lasting sense of joy, this book is for you.

The pursuit of happiness can be exhausting because it is based on something that is always changing. As soon as we achieve one goal, another one takes its place. But joy is different—it is something we can carry with us, no matter what life throws our way. Ross Palfreyman’s Joy in the Brambles reminds us that joy is not found in chasing success, wealth, or status—it is found in living with faith, gratitude, and service.