Happiness
A few years ago I broke my ankle on the third day of summer vacation. The day was hot the river was cold so I jumped. I shouldn’t have. I had to get back in my canoe and finish the run then drive myself home. That would have been bad enough but it was my right ankle and I drive a stick shift. I tried to convince my orthopedist that my ankle wasn’t broken. That did not change reality. Ya gotta give a gal credit for trying. Once I got over the shock of being housebound (I lived alone) and unable to drive for six weeks I decided I’d better make peace with myself or lose my mind. I had a wonderful summer. When people called they were always amazed at how happy I was. Me too! Lindsay said it best, “For someone who lives alone, doesn’t watch television and isn’t paddling, you’re awfully happy.” I learned that it doesn’t take much to be happy. It is, however a lot easier without people telling you why you shouldn’t be or couldn’t possibly be happy.
I had a couple of former friends who were notorious for telling me how I couldn’t possibly be happy unless I had a husband, a family, a new car, a better bathroom. There was always a reason why they thought I should be unhappy. After all, they were unhappy and they had everything I didn’t. There was always something missing or wrong with me, them or someone we knew. Then there was Janet whose propensity for being negative nudged me into this challenge. It reached the point where I dreaded talking to her. She was fond of saying, “I know you’re trying to be optimistic but…” Then she would tell me why I was really unhappy and how she was a good friend for pointing that out. Did I mention that they were former friends? I discovered that real friends want you to be happy and celebrate happiness with you. They collude in the truth of joy not the delusion of lies that exist in negativity.
In January I programmed my Google calendar with messages and goals for each month. This month’s message to my self was to be a billboard of happiness. When I wrote that I thought that I would be doing fun things and living a busy social life. I have that if I want it but that’s not secret of happiness. Here’s the real secret about happiness. I am happiest when my life in aligned with the needs of my soul. What I eventually ended up doing at some point during this challenge was jump feet first into a journey with my soul. As I explored and released negativity from my life I became actively engaged with my soul in a way that went beyond prayer, meditation or therapy. That’s all it took. What my soul needs is for me to be actively engaged with it. That’s happiness. Who knew?
thank you so much Lisa, that helps a lot. I know he tried to blame me for so much stuff, but like I told all of his family and mine none of that added up to a divorce. I do realize it's his needs, it just hurts so bad to think how many years he's
How funny....i only very recently (within last week) read the coconut oil articles on the web. (100 uses, 80 uses etc.) so i bouht some and ordered some from amazon. (Im a stockpiler.)
Have started trying some of the uses. I tried using it a
BTW, dynamomma, this was an ah ha moment for me. I started out writing about something else entirely. You mean happiness is not a blue eyed guitar playing cowboy from Montana who paddles a red Caption. Dang, I get giddy just thinking about it.
watermusic, you continue to amaze me. I love your writing and have enjoyed your posts. A reminder to us all to look at the good. Negative attracts negative… I like your Google calendar idea!
Love your sentence, “I am happiest when my life in aligned with the needs of my soul.”
What a breath of fresh air!! Am logging on for the first time and am excited I found this site! Women encouraging women….I feel like I’ve found the inspiration to go forward. I was sinking into negativity and did not like myself….nor did others like my “self”. Don’t really know why I became consumed with anxiety and fear of the future, but I realized if I created that person, I could uncreate it as well. Just happened on to your site and your blog and thought “Walla!” God really is an awesome God….he is sending me the inspiration and encouragement I need to change. And change for good!! Thank you!
Welcome newman! This site is sooo great. You will find this is the best therapy knowing you are not alone that MANY of us are where you are…
God is good!
Thanks for your kindness and support. It’s an overwhelming feeling knowing that people who don’t even know you care about you! I feel like I’ve walked into a room full of friends.
This site has been a God-send for me. So many women on this site have and are experiencing what you may be going through.
It is so comforting to know you can share and get words of wisdom from VN sisters who do care…