Own it.
The key to being happy is "living," while you're alive. We've all heard the expression, "Get a life." We've heard it as encouragement. We've heard it as a rebuke; however, hearing is not always believing. It may or may not prompt us to set sail towards the endeavor. Everyday, we hear of multi-million dollar lottery winners across the country, even internationally. While there's always that faint voice of optimism assuring us, "It could be you," we see winners, hear of them, and still aren't necessarily sold on the remote possibility of winning. Even if we're persuaded for a time, to experiment and buy tickets, lacking conviction will eventually get the best of us. We'll discontinue and dismiss it as ridiculous.
The pursuit of happiness is somewhat comparable. We may observe blissful co-workers, couples, singles, and even celebrities, in the public eye. We hear of them through every medium, from the rumor mill to the worldwide web. We read of them, speak of them; yet, we may not learn from them, or emulate their choices, feeling their happiness is due, in part, to luck, some form of coincidence or serendipity. Truthfully, we don't always have the energy to take responsibility for being happy, or even acting "as if"; considering, mediocre, mundane to melancholy living, itself, seems wearisome, enough. It's the "pursuit" part of the pursuit of happiness that deters us from even beginning. It's easier, and it seems a matter of conservation, to just settle, and accept our lot in life, even it's a real bummer, at times. We chalk it up to "some guys have all the luck". If it's credible to Rod Stewart, and he's a multimillionaire, it's good enough for us.
What if we were adventurous, creative, and energetic enough to really get a life? What would that entail? Well, there's no avoiding three very necessary components if creating luck is to be attainable. Gratifying hobbies, good, present company, and an unwaivering, optimistic belief system.
Exercising, affirmation writing, novel reading, journalism, and a few reality shows or televised entertainment pieces are just examples of hobbies that could take a full-day's schedule alone. Add mall-hopping, traveling to amusement parks, and painting, remodeling or volunteering with various charities. Before you can engage yourself in fun, you must journey to the unknown. Do you know what you love? What activities give you pleasure? Which are predicated upon other's presence and which can you pull off alone? Being happy in your life begins and ends with us. Having fun is a key aspect to enjoying life, as well as developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Ever heard the expression, "You're known by the company that you keep."? Hanging around fulfilled people is beneficial. Happy people through osmosis and example serve as templates or role models in the pursuit of happiness. If socializing is your cup of tea, but there's no line forming at your front door to hang out with you, perhaps, you should increase your visibility. Get on-line, join a support or another peer group. Take a class. Get to know your neighbors. Reach out to coworkers. Befriend smilers, and smile along with them.
How far will your faith take you? Do you believe you can be happier? Are you happy, already?
If happiness is based on what's currently happening, stay in the present moment if it's more effortless to be content that way. Dwelling on past hardships creates energy leaks, and possibly, toxic emotions. A drained mind and body will eventually spread, like poison, to the spirit. This is when regret, fear, anger, jealousy, dread and other forms of negative thinking become immobilizing. Remember being happy in your life hinges on activity, movement or choosing to stay still, which can still be considered spiritually revolutionary.
Being happy is a choice. It's a gift. It's a responsibility. It's no one else's business. We're people, not projects. A massive housecleaning will clear out the pessimistic people around us, and while the social landscape of our lives may seem vacant for a time, there is a purpose to everything. Happiness is a solo performance. Acapella style or with accompaniments, the buck will always stop here, with us. Have fun. Appreciate life by getting active. Pray. Prosper others by showing up to serve. Embrace your yearning for more. Then, don't just sit there. Stand up, and do something! Knowing you're worth makes for a great takeoff..