Happiness

LA LEMON!

In today’s society, we believe in the inalienable right to be happy all the time and when we are not, we think something is wrong. We live in such a remarkably developed technological world that we have gained the impression that given the time, the brains and the money, we can pretty well fix anything. So that being the case, our expectations are very, very high. An instant drive – thru fix on unhappiness, is simply slipping into an unrealistic trust in human ingenuity and technology. We become unhappy because we either believe that’s all there is or we get too caught up in what is lacking in our present realities and the agendas we own.

Definition of Happiness Definition of Happiness is different for everyone, but deep in the common core Happiness is a balance of mental and emotional interplay. It really comes down to how one “perceives” things in life. The mind, how we think, interpret and react is the critical key to being Happy.

Decorate your own life with Happiness without expectations that someone else is bringing in the wallpaper.

Wealth The richest person I’ve ever met was on the Greek Island of Rhodes. I was caught in an awful downpour of cold rain when an old woman, a widow, literally pulled me into her home. As I stood in her doorway-dripping wet she kept talking joyfully as if I was her long lost daughter. Her home was only one room consisting of a bed, 2 chairs, small eating table and a large beautiful chest of drawers. She shared her treasures of beautiful sterling silver framed photographs of her family and friends. Then she casually reached under the chair near the doorway and pulled out a brass pot filled with urine and rinsed it in the rain while she chatted on in Greek. Her shine, her radiance was blinding. No skin treatment could have achieved what she had. I couldn’t understand but a few Greek words she was saying, but it didn’t matter. This woman was the richest woman I had ever met because of her glow of peace and joy.

She had nothing, but yet she had everything.

I wanted to be like her. Free. In want of nothing but what she already possessed…. amazing peace and joy.

Point? Money and Wealth does not bring true and lasting Happiness. It brings convenient comfort, temporary joy and a great pair of shoes, but it will never ever provide true love, health or lasting happiness.

Happiness in relation to health and wellness Studies have showed that there is a reason those who live in the Mediterranean live longer in spite of some unhealthy habits. They take naps! If we American’s took a nap between 3-4 PM we’d be considered unproductive, irresponsible and lazy. Some parts of Europe, business’s, even banks close down during those hours. (try getting a Taxi in Athens at 4:00 agh!) In Europe vacations are mandatory. They walk everywhere! Osteoporosis is not the issue it is here in America and neither is hip replacement surgery. Their long family meals are filled with healthy foods, fresh fish, garlic, olives, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables abound. Eating a good diet and exercise and yes even a 15 min nap – you’re bound to feel happy in life no matter what comes your way.

Want even more Happiness? Stop chasing after it. It’s already there by being grateful for what you do have.

Feed your mind with positive uplifting and inspirational films, books and music and also mediate (take a break from the news) actually call or meet a friend whom laughs the most. Get out there and meet people! IN PERSON, not on line social networks – but in person! And  good grief make the choice to laugh at things more often.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Giving to others We’re so owned by our own agendas and fears that we can become blind to really see what it’s all about underneath. We’re too comfortable in the energy of complaint and the energy of our own pain, that someone else’s becomes unjustifiable or the underneath picture is out of focus.  The true power comes when we turn it all around with compassion to see the frailties of heart and return to love for the sole purpose in being a ladder of hope for someone else. To give where needed and expect nothing in return from those who can’t or won’t.

Better said – go to www.globalcolors.org and see what Barton Brooks does.

Seeing from above (second heaven view point) and by just helping others in my opinion, you’ll never be unhappy again.

It’s OK not to be Happy Where is it “written” (besides in TV Commercials) that we must be HappyHappyJoyJoy 24/7? It isn’t, unless you make that an imprisoning rule for yourself and in that case probably won’t ever be happy. Unhappiness is all in the mind filled with unrealistic Happiness expectations.

Take a “time-out”, know it will pass and it’s natural to have an…..unhappy day. Tomorrow you will sing again.

Eagles In the midst of great storms, Eagles spread their wings and let the power of the storm raise them above it……and that’s where they fly. I really believe in our own lives that wings will appear without our control once we relax on the winds of unlimited possibilities, adventure and love. The secret is, to never ever look down.

Soar on the wings of unlimited possibilities!

They shall mount up with wings like Eagles. Isaiah 40:31

BE GRATEFUL – I know that is said over and over, but appreciation and  gratefulness are the key ingredients for happiness and one way to “see from above” as well. The more one stays in “want” and “complaint” the more UNhappy they become.

Go to a 3rd world country- or go visit our troops in Afghanistan – you’ll never complain about anything again.

When I blink at what I want….the “wish list” of wants ever piling up  – instead of what I already have, it’s depressing. So I have to remind myself to give thanks for everything I do have and that list is ENDLESS.

Grateful for even the very basic things we may take for granted like…ability to walk, see, talk, laugh, cry, dance. The car runs, you’re loved, you have friends, running water, warm shelter, food,  and a penny in your pocket.