Be Happy

Happy Friday,

How is everyone doing this fine Friday? What a warm day we are having. Looks like summer is upon us….Oh wait, spring just sprang last weekend. What the heck? Oh well, I’m still okay with the weather. I absolutely love it right now. Time to get back in the water. I love to swim and I am ready to dive in. Well, maybe jump in, feet first. So, how are you all doing? What’s happening in your world? Not too much to report here. Trying to get into a new routine. I used my scooter this for the first time to take a little road trip. Made it up to Home Depot to get me a new plant, then I went to Smart and Final to grab a few lunch items then homeward bound. My only complaint, the scooter doesn’t go as fast as I’d like. Maybe that’s for the best. Don’t need to turn my world upside down any more with another accident.

I’ve been sitting outside on the patio, enjoying the heat. My bird friends are hanging out on the feeder and I put up a new sign today. It’s in the shape of a surf board and says, “take life with a grain of salt, a wedge of lime and a shot of Tequila.” Sounds good to me. Life’s too short to get all caught up in the drama I’ve decided, at least for me. I’ve had way too much drama in my life over the last few years and I’m simply ready for a break.

As I sit here I can’t help about wonder, what’s my purpose in life? I listen to motivational speeches until I’m blue in the face. I read books on positive affirmations, I listen to upbeat music and at the end of the day, I can read, listen and surround myself with things that make me happy, but my happiness really is dependent on my own attitude. According to tinybuddha.com, happiness “isn’t a feeling; it’s a relationship to life.” What do you think of that? Made me step back and it gave me an aha moment. “To be human means that we experience a range of emotions. If we look to a grid and see a line in the shape of a wave, it would be an accurate representation of the human experience. We shouldn’t be operating as an even, straight line. That would be called robotic or someone numbed out.”

What’s your relationship to life? I’m not sure I can even answer that, not yet anyway. I do know that I want to take control of my life. For as long as I can remember, I haven’t had control of my own life. I’ve allowed others to think for me. I was taught that happiness was dependent on making it through this system of things into a new world paradise that God “promised” to the select few witnesses that were faithful to the end. Basically, I was taught I had to work for salvation and do everything to the letter of the JW law. I was told that this is what happiness is and was. Funny, people on the outside of the religion always seemed happier. They had relationships with people from all walks of life, people who believed differently then they did. They had relationships with family of different religions, so why did that make them happier then I was worshiping the God of “truth”?

I’ve done a lot of thinking about happiness since leaving the religion and one thing that I have found true in my world is this. My happiness is dependent on my attitude. It’s how I perceive life, not how others tell me to think or be or act. Having friends and family of all walks of life, it only enhances my happiness because I can learn from them. I can see different points of view and I am allowed to give myself the opportunity to embrace an open mind. It makes so much sense now. Happiness is a mind set that we place upon ourselves. I know at times, we run into obstacles in this crazy life we live, but as John says, look for the good in any and all circumstances.

“Human beings experience emotions in response to life circumstances. That means sometimes you’re going to feel happy, sad, and all the other emotions in between. Embrace it.” Our happiness is the way we relate to our very own, spectacular life. If we can love ourselves, unconditionally, our world will transform. We’ll be able to be alone in our feelings and find gratitude. Our perception will be shaped by positive, grateful and feelings of love and happiness. Unconditional love for ourselves transforms the world around us. “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future. Focus on living fully in the present.”-Roy T. Bennett.

What makes you happy? How do you put yourselves on the path for happiness? I think for me, I will focus on the things that bring me joy, then venture out into finding happiness in just being with myself, but for now, I can say that the little things in life that make me happy are, writing, checking in with family and friends. I love the check in times with John and my heart always skips a beat when my boys call or text me. I find happiness during my times at the bay and when I work on a quilt or my needle work. One thing I need to work on is being happy in the quiet. When it’s too quiet, my mind races. I start thinking about all the happenings in life. John says I need to learn to quiet my mind and just be in the moment. That’s going to be a challenge, but I’m up for it.

Happiness is a wonderful place to be. Happiness is a great way to feel. Living in the negative, that is so exhausting and time consuming. I am going to find the positive in all situations, moving forward. I am free of a cult that taught me to be judgmental and that love is based upon the condition you follow the laws of their faith. There are so many amazing people out in this world and I’m excited to meet as many as possible. I love that saying, “don’t worry, be happy.” It’s time for less worry and more happy. What do you think? Wanna jump on the happy train with me? Keep those text and comments coming my way. I love hearing from you all. Don’t forget, until next time, Love Life++