Choosing Happiness

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.  ~ Thornton Wilder

Lately I have been having a hard time seeing the good through the bad, but it’s time for a new attitude and viewpoint. The current stresses in my life are not big, they are not even that important…just a little normal everyday strife and pressure to give into others and their drama. But after dealing with it for a few weeks, I quickly came to the realization that it is just not me, it’s not who I am to let things get to me so much. This time of self-reflection also led me to really start thinking about my life and how lucky I am to have what I have.

Not that I haven’t had some tough times over the past 10 years…I have been through my mother having cancer and major surgery twice and my subsequent loss of a relationship with her, almost losing my husband to illness, having a child with a birth defect and all that goes along with that, almost losing my marriage and finally the death of my dear grandmother on my birthday last year.

Needless to say things have been hard. But, we all deal with difficult times in our lives, I am not alone in this...and that doesn’t mean that that I need to wallow in self-pity or feel angry at the world.

I choose to instead look at the great times that I have had over the years, the amazing memories that I have been gifted and all the good that I currently have in my life--I choose happiness!

• I have been lucky enough to find my soul mate in my husband.  Our love was almost instant…we were inseparable from the first date, became best friends and have been together for 13 years and married for more than 10 years. We have had our troubles in marriage, but somehow we have always managed to make it through them, with a stronger and better relationship than ever. I love my husband and what he brings to our relationship...he is my rock!

• I have been graced with an amazing child! My little one is almost 4 years old and the biggest highlight to my day each and every day. He makes me smile, he warms my heart and gives me strength that I never knew I had. I thank god each and every day for allowing me to be a mother and have this gift as my child.

• I am fortunate enough to be friends with some of the most amazing people. I grew up in a small town and made lifelong friendships with people that I have known since preschool…there are not many people that I meet that have that. My best friend from high school (Suzie) is still one of my closest friends. Time and distance has only made us better friends...we have the type of friendship that can go for long periods of time without communication, only to pick up where we left off with no drama or hard feelings. I love her! I have also made amazing friends as an adult...through work (Samantha, Chelsea, Melody, MaryAnn, etc.) , school (April, Cheryl, etc.) and random encounters (swim instructor & walking partner Jaimee). And I am working on cultivating new friendships today (Melissa & Sarah)...I am incredibly blessed by the quality of people in my life and I appreciate all that they bring to my existence. I love you guys!

• I also have a great job that I love, a home that I love, my kitties and my sweet boxer Roxy and I live somewhere that it is sunny almost every day.

So drama and negative thinking won’t get me down…I instead will make the choice to be happy and realize that my life is full of amazing, wonderful things!

Today, I challenge everyone to that is feeling a little downhearted with the state of his or her life (or if you just need a little pick-me-up) to make a list of what you have and you will be pleasantly surprised with how many great things you have in your life.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a wonderful rest of the week and take the time to choose to be happy! No one else can do it for you!