“That makes me happy!”
“Is anyone really truly happy?”
“I’ll be happy when…”
We have all heard someone say these phrases, and if we are being honest, have thought and said them ourselves. HAPPY. You know how when you stare at a word for too long, it can start to look weird; like it is spelled wrong, or it doesn’t make sense? Happy, is to me, one of those words. Then, when I think about it even more, not only does it look weird, but I am amazed that such a small word can have such a BIG impact on our lives, and the lives of everyone around us.
Martha Washington said, “The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances.” Is it possible to experience happiness regardless of your situation; experience contentment whatever your circumstances? Yes, it is. And it all starts with awareness.
We are happy now, and sometimes we don’t even notice it. You see, happiness is very fragile, and we often make it conditional. We struggle to balance what we currently have and what we want. The problem with conditional happiness is that it keeps us on hold while we wait for a perfect life- a life that does not exist. The solution is to stay present in the here and now. The problem isn’t life, but your expectations of it.
Have you ever felt like you’re just waiting for something really good, life changing, THE fix to everything that is broken, to arrive? You say to yourself, “C’mon future-I’m ready, because I know it will surely be better!”
The future is an illusion and only a concept in your head. That is how our minds trick us; we are promised that we’ll get something that we already have. The future begins today, right now-but how do we stay present in the here and now, and invite happiness into our lives? Try these tips as a start!
Protect your mental health no matter what – Set your boundaries for self-care, and filter what you let your eyes read, and your ears hear.
That’s my jam. I dare you to NOT smile while blasting your favorite feel-good song! And I double dog dare you to choose your ALS theme song. (bonus points if you email me and share your jam)
Write it down. Did you know that taking the time to write down just three positive things each day will make you more optimistic and less stressed?
Hello, Sunshine. Just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine can give you a fresh new perspective.
Think positive. No matter how bad things may seem, be grateful. Warm water on a cold day? Amazing! Cold water on a warm day? Delicious!
Do not neglect the present by keeping your focus on the past, bring yourself to the moment and enjoy your journey as it truly is, not the one that you have imagined and planned in your head. You are happy now, but you must be the first one to notice it.
Tonya Hitschmann, Director of Community Programs
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