Finding “My Happy!”
I read a post some months ago from a lady who was talking about “finding her happy!” She was explaining how we don’t take the time in our busy daily lives to let those closest to us know that we love them or take the time to express the joy for where we are right now in life. Instead we search for what’s around the next bend, or dream about life on the other side of the fence and in so doing, we miss being happy right where we are!
In the morning when I wake I walk to the window and look at the mountains around me. They are strong and sure, beautiful and solid, reassuring and comforting, giving me a feeling of unbelievable peace. I have found “my happy!” When I turn on the Gospel music that fills my heart with calm assurance of my eternity, I again have found “my happy!”
When I look in the eyes of my children that have mixed qualities of both their father and me, who have grown into responsible adults, I again have found “my happy.” And when I tenderly hold a grand baby, an extension of love for yet another generation, I have again, found “my happy.”
There are little things all day that make me smile; a good cup of coffee, a ride down a country road, a good book, a smile from a stranger, a piece of pecan pie, the hug from a child, my husband holding my hand while walking in the mall, the satisfaction of doing something productive and even sitting down to a meal with my family. Isn’t this what we all want?
As I get older I find along with all the wonderful events in the day that bring me joy and “my happy,” there is still another. I find “my happy” being able to make a difference in the lives around me and maybe even in lives of people I haven’t met.
I’ve been accused of being “too friendly!” In my eyes there are no strangers, just friends I haven’t met yet! (That doesn’t mean I’m totally careless when cast among people I don’t know. I just choose to look for a person’s good qualities before I recognize those less than kind qualities!) Perhaps that’s part of my “Polly Anna” attitude, but I can’t abide being suspicious and contrary just because the world isn’t perfect!
But if I can make another person smile just from being kind, encouraging, giving a sincere compliment, helping them if they need it, or in any other way, then I’ve really found “my happy!” In fact on my business card you’ll find the words: “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” These are words I choose to live by.
Think of it! How different our world would be if every day we each started with this mentality, and especially if we carried this thought process all day, no matter who we met up with or what event happened that wasn’t as pleasant as we’d hoped. Does it take effort? You bet! Not every moment of every day is good! But it’s how we react to the situation that determines how the rest of the day is going to be.
So I challenge you. Find your “happy.” Make a decision to look for the good and respond positively regardless of who you meet and what happens. You can be sure it’ll make for a much better, less stressful day!