Years ago when I had my spiritual awakening (see blog posting, http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/12/well-i-did-it-again-i-cant-believe-it.html), I had a strong inner knowing (i.e., intuitively) that I could have written a book on the key to happiness as I realized why during that experience. It was so simple, yet we - yes, myself very much included - tend to complicate things, including life. (Hmmm, if I had written that book, would I have been as successful as Eckhart Tolle? ;))
I am not giving the key away, not so fast! However, I will tell you that oftentimes, I look externally outside myself for happiness. When I do this, happiness is elusive. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. This may be not the best analogy, but the only one I can think of right now.
Most of you, perhaps all of you, can relate to this at one point or another in your life. This can be hard to admit, after all who wants to admit that they're wrong?!
As a result and in my search for happiness, I have come to learn that it is simply a matter of choice. (This is not the key I am referring to above, though one of them.)
We can choose, despite the weather or our current mood, what will it be today: a smile or a frown? being loving and caring or cold and callous? being generous or stingy? You get the idea.
Hint: For Vancouverites, Londoners, and the like, rain is much preferred than a flood or tidal wave, right? It's a matter of perspective. So, be happy with what you've got/been given.
Though the "grass is always greener on the other side", it's not always that way though it may appear to be. For example, though you may admire someone, you probably wouldn't want the problems he/she deals with (which may be hidden under the surface or not at all). Everyone has their own unique challenges to cope with, including you. What you have is perfect for you whether you like it or not. Best to make the most of it: "suck it up princess!" (Not sure what they say for guys.)
When life gives you lemons, how can you make lemonade? Or phrased another way, what choice can you make no matter what life hands you? How can you make your world, your life, and that of others a better and happier place?
*NB: I prefer to use the word 'happiness' rather than joy as the latter denotes supreme or ecstatic happiness whereas this blog posting is about everyday-kind-of happiness. :) And I'm not perfect: I'm still a work in progress! ;)
The title some of you may recognize comes from Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" song (1988). ;) Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Worry,_Be_Happy for some interesting info about the origins of his song. :)
ReplyDeleteReally Great Advice Elly. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Zahra! :) <3
DeleteWhen life gave you lemons, you learn what you can do with this, so it could provide a purpose to your life. If life gave you a lemon think creatively why you got bestowed with this gift in the first place? Maybe you have eaten too many lemon cakes and the Life concluded you just like it! and then you are stuck with a gift and the best advice would be to do the best of it! Therefore look for an answer in all kinds of places: search on Internet, in books, dreams, meditate on it, pray, visit some shamans, create art about it, take self-help coursers, invest in Access Consciousness, study other Consciousness gurus and games big like Life itself, then think, act, write about it and paint - enjoy what's there, and then ... give it away to the Universe to deal with : ) OK, when the Life offers you a lemon, treat it like a precious gift. Because I am certain it looks like that from the Other Side ; > xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Anna, thanks for sharing! :) Hope you are busy making lemonade or knowing you perhaps even something more delectable like a lemon meringue pie! Not too sweet please, a bit on the sour side is fine! ;)
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