Deciding to be Happy
Being happy doesn’t mean you walk around smiling. Or that everything in your life is going along just swimmingly. Rather, I see it as a decision we make to look beyond the difficulties, beyond the imperfections, to see the larger picture and be grateful for our unique place in it.
From my comfortable chair in my comfortable home this morning, I watched footage of hungry, homeless flood victims in Pakistan. Were I one of them, I don’t think I could be happy. But by the grace of God, I am not one of them. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, a highly rewarding life, a loving family. How indeed, could I not be happy?
“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.” –Benjamin Franklin
“Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.” –Fyodor Dostoevsky
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” –Colette
Enjoy your day!
#1 from (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 31, 2010
Oh Edie how true - we can get so caught up in what is wrong we totally miss everything that is good. I am blessed in so many ways despite the hardships.
Jerry Lewis said his father always told him growing up that if life seems tough, look to the right and look to the left of you and you will indeed find someone who has it tougher.
Be Well and Have a GREAT day!
Barb