"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." ~ AnonymousWhat a beautiful quote and this really does sum things up. Happiness is a choice we each make every day. We choose to be happy or not. And I choose happiness. But does that means I run through life singing songs, skipping, and smiling? Nope. Like everyone, I have tough moments, moments where I may want to cry, but I can't let those moments define who I am. I need to make the change, the choice, to be happy.
I think the choice becomes harder when you get older. The responsibilities of life tend to weigh heavier. You may begin to get more aware of your own personal mortality. Wonder if you are making the most out of your life. Questioning your purpose. It is okay to entertain some of these thoughts for a moment but in all reality, what is the point of life if you are questioning life all the time and aren't happy?
"Dream as you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." ~ James Dean
This seems to be the motto of my life...at least the second part. I want to enjoy and savor each moment of my life because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. I don't want to live with regret that I didn't do something or didn't say the right things. The past is gone. Leave it there. The future is unknown. Stop worrying. The present is here. Enjoy the gift.
I am not saying live recklessly and jeopardize your future but make sure you aren't living so much in what can be that you fail to enjoy what is. And yes, the past defines us but don't let it keep you from savoring the day. I do regret not getting on a plane and getting to my Grandfather when he was dying. Finances seemed too big at the time. My heart hurts when I did get on the plane to go see my Grandmother she died while I was in the air. And that plane trip for my Dad was the worst ever but yet, my memories are fond and I hold no regret. I did get on the plane just weeks before. I did hold on extra long giving him a hug goodbye. I know he knew how much I loved him. Our last moment that we shared together was and will always be wonderful.
"Tears are words the heart can't express." ~ Anonymous
Oh my! Did I just bring tears into a happiness post?! Yes I did. Tears don't always have to be a negative. They can be a positive. They help wash away emotions and yes, express things when the words can't be found. Tears can be happy. This makes me think of last Mother's Day at my daughter's preschool. All the moms were there sitting on the grass watching the kids perform and sing songs. The kids then sang a special song to their moms. There wasn't one mom who wasn't crying happy tears.
And that brings me to my final point,
"Whenever you are in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." ~ William James
Choose happiness.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for new windshield wipers.
Daily Affirmation: I can find my own happiness when things get tough.
