Today is my birthday, but I woke up a little depressed
and anxious. There were some problems from the weekend that had not yet been resolved.
I got up, made my coffee, and made a decision: I want to be happy – as much as
possible and as long as possible. I qualify it because I know it is not possible
to be happy all the time. I also know that the desire to be happy is suspect
because it smacks of selfishness. Some assume (as some once did to me) that I
will abandon everyone I love and do horrible things. What they failed to
realize that if I did those things I would be unhappy.
This
is what I know about happiness:
·
The decision to be happy is exactly that –
a decision, a constant and mindful decision.
·
It is a discipline. It takes work (and
meaningful work often leads to happiness, but more on that later).
·
It requires analysis of my internal and
external life.
·
It may require change and acceptance of
what is at the same time.
·
It is an art and a science.
Interestingly, a lack
of challenges doesn’t always create happiness. When I was 15, I lived with
another family and away from my parents. I was extremely happy not only to be largely
independent, but to have good friends, adults who loved me, very little stress,
and some self-created challenges. I spent a lot of time on the phone talking to
friends and playing Pyramid Solitaire. I tried my hand at drawing. All my needs
were provided for. I had no financial struggles and no one to take care of. It was
one of the few times in my life in which happiness was given to me. Now I have
to create it.
These are the ways
I can create happiness”
·
Setting and achieving goals.
·
Being with my Muse.
·
Having fun and meaningful times with my
kids.
·
Serving others.
·
Working on something meaningful.
·
Teaching.
·
Learning
·
Exercising
·
Reading or listening to books about US
Presidents.
·
Reaching new levels on Toon Blast.
Yes, that last one
makes me happy. It’s good to have fun and even do something meaningless once in
a while. I imagine my list differs from everyone else’s and that’s a good
thing, but I think the principals are the same. I take care of others and I
take care of myself. A meaningful combination of both makes me happy.
I’m also happy
when I Get Started and Keep Going. I think that’s what I’ve been saying all
along.
