I remember there being a time when I was just like so many others in the world who felt that happiness hinged upon ‘something’. The perfect job, the perfect guy, the perfect home, the perfect (insert anything here)- but it seemed that that type of ‘happiness’ always seemed to be fleeting, leaving a feeling of longing, of disappointment, of wanting ‘more’ of the brass ring that always seemed just out of reach, and sometimes I’d grasp it for a moment, only for it to slip through my fingers.
I’d love to say that I remember the exact moment when I realized that happiness is none of those things- it’s not about a ‘destination’, but about the journey, and depending on someone else to create that happiness for you is nothing more than setting yourself up for hurt and disappointment. Happiness is a Do It YOURSELF Project.
This morning, when I opened my ‘inbox’, I found this great email from Sparkpeople on happiness. I loved it, and when I find little things along the road of life that reach out and grab me, I can’t help but want to share them with others. You never know when it’s ‘just what the doctor ordered’ so-to-speak.
“A great obstacle to happiness is expecting too much happiness.” – Bernard de Fontanelle
Happiness is a state of mind, not a way of life or a destination that you’ll reach one day. Bumps in the road of life are to be expected, and we cannot let them ruin our days. We often think that if a combination of factors would just fall into place THEN we would finally be happy. Satisfaction can only come from within, through truly accepting yourself, your life, and your circumstances. During this life you’ll have many hard days–long work days, sleepless nights, worrying about the future, etc. This week, think about the joys of your life. Find creative ways to enjoy the little bumps in the road.