Many years ago, during a time of crisis in my life when I felt that the “bad” stuff was never going to end, I had an epiphany. I decided to be happy in spite of all the crappy circumstances that were going on — and there were plenty of them. In a divine moment, I understood what my teachers had told me for half my life: that happiness is an inside job.
Of course, the problem with epiphanies is that they are often followed by, “Great! Now, what do I do with that information?” Over time, I learned that choosing happiness requires daily commitment. It does not deny the difficulties that happen, but it puts them in perspective. Choosing happiness doesn’t mean I don’t get grumpy, but I am at peace with my grumpiness and know it will pass. Whatever is going on in my life, I can experience a fundamental foundation of joy — and when I am not, I take a look inside to see what I need to adjust in life to bring me back to that place. Making that choice has created a compass for me to follow.
In order to feed that internal happiness, I look for books, music, etc., that lift me up when I’m feeling a little low. These spirit boosters help lift me on those days that I need a little help to remind me to make happiness a choice.
Every Thursday I try to find a blog to recommend that reflects and complements some aspect of what I want to convey at A Woman’s Nest. This week, I found a delightful blog called JoyZaChoice. I like the catchy phrase and the message it conveys. Creator Camille Olivia provides posts that are playful, inspiring, and uplifting. Take a look and enjoy!
See you tomorrow with some more fiction!
Be happy! Thanks for introducing me too JoyZaChoice. Great recommendation!
Happiness is a choice and what a nice place to choose to be. I love the way you express yourself in your postings. I completely understand the epiphany you experienced having had it myself after years of expecting perfection to just show up, hard work or no.
Thanks for the link recommendation, I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
The theme must be catching. Before I was hit by my true blog post this week I kept thinking of the words- “Jumping for Joy!” Thanks, happiness is always accepted at my camp.
I have gotten away from my original blog intention of heart work. This post has me wanting to move back that direction. I enjoy writing more when I write with heart intention. I think it is better writing also. Thank you for another valuable post.