Some of you may recall the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. I remember the song, but I had to search for some of the lyrics, which are worth repeating because one line in particular spoke a lot of truth! “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double”. Worrying, fretting, and getting angry won’t solve whatever problems we have, but the secret may be within our control.
Happiness is an emotion, and experiencing it can range from contentment and satisfaction to sheer bliss and intense joy; it depends on the person and what it is that makes them happy. Some folks may think that wealth is a factor in their happiness, but even pockets full of money don’t necessarily make for a happy life. Some people who get along with very little still find things to be happy about. So perhaps it IS within our control because we can choose to alter our habits.
I saw somewhere that there is actually a recipe for happiness that we can try to follow. The measurements are up to our discretion too – add the suggestions by the spoonful or the cupful – whichever suits your taste! The most important ingredient is a positive attitude.
Here are some examples to try:
*When you open your eyes in the morning, take just a moment to be thankful that you’re alive!
*If it’s a nice day, open some windows and breathe some fresh air.
*If it’s a sunny day, get up and accomplish something.
*Despite the troubles in our world, take time to appreciate the magnificent beauty around you – even the small things!
*Don’t be too hard on yourself; NO ONE IS PERFECT! Try to learn from your mistakes and strive to do a little better.
*Don’t take on too much. Try to cut your tasks into manageable pieces instead of applying pressure to get it all done at once.
*Lend a hand to someone who needs you; and allow yourself to accept help when you are the one who needs it.
*Look around you and notice that there are many blessings in your life. For example, can you can walk and talk?, are you in fairly good health?, do you have a roof over your head?, do you have good friends?, do you keep yourself open to new possibilities?, do you have a loving family? ….. If you can answer YES to any of these questions, then you are blessed! And most of these are things that money cannot buy. Be thankful and make the most of each day. Try to keep a positive attitude and do things that make you smile. Share those smiles with others.
Ben Franklin once said that the Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness, but you have to catch it all by yourself. Drag out your catcher’s mitt and prepare to grab whatever happiness is tossed your way. Remember, YOU’RE IN CONTROL of how you handle each day. Try to approach each day with only positive thoughts and see what happens.
Seriously, readers, I’m not just preaching here; I’m truly trying to follow these suggestions myself! For instance, in the past several months, the SPAM RISK calls I have received number in the THOUSANDS … and were affecting my disposition. My anger had reached the danger zone, and that’s unhealthy. So I’m trying to remind myself that ignoring the calls is MY CHOICE. I’m not letting it ruin my day any more; I’m in control here. I refuse to indulge them and allow them to cloud my sunny days. Yes, it’s MY CHOICE – while not every day may be good, there are good things in every day, and I will remember that.
Quote of the Week: “Each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.” ~ Groucho Marx