People have a lot to say about the topic of happiness. Some people lament that it is not theirs to have, others get angry at people who proclaim such. There are people who feel as though somehow life has dealt them a wrong hand and happiness is only available through a medication. Nobody is right and no one is actually wrong.
What I know for certain is that every human being has known the experience of happiness. It is a natural state, even if it has been a fleeting one for you. Happiness is an essential core experience in this life.
It is when we are in the midst of some awful illness, financial tragedy, heartbreak, or the face of death through that we, as human beings, think — if I can get through this, I will be happy. This line of thinking is tragic because it fosters a belief of anticipation as though reality will rain upon us at some particular moment and we will be showered with the feeling. It doesn’t happen that way, and disappointment sets in as the anticipation is then extended to the next — what if, and if only, and when occurs, it is at that point that I will know happy.
Happy is an intentional, it is a habit, a practice. We need to believe in it and engage in the acts that produce it — even if a step in the process includes taking a pill. The point is that becoming happy takes movement, effort, motivation, and inspiration. Happiness comes forth when our state of mind includes gratitude for that which we have in our life, in our midst, in our embrace.
If you are reading this, you can see. Rejoice and be happy for your vision.
If an audio program is reading this to you, you can hear. Rejoice and be happy for your hearing.
If you are breathing, however labored, be happy for the breath you just took and inhale another.
Happiness begins with what is simple and when we lose sight of it, return to the basics and you’ll recapture it.
I wish for you today, much happiness in your heart, your mind, your spirit, and your body.
You are alive — live it, live it well.
