Has your world gone crazy? There seems to be something in the water for so many of my friends, family, and clients right now. I don't know if it's the economy, the general stress of life, or just simply getting bogged down by the small stuff, but whatever it is, we need to do something about it...now!
This morning I came across a list of six things people who lead happy lives have in common... and these are very happy people. I thought I would share this list as a reminder that every experience comes with a choice: you can be the victim of the experience or you can learn and grow from it. So here you go... and remember: Don't Worry, Be Happy (I think there's a song in there somewhere)
1. Expect to enjoy the day
2. Spend energy on fixing, not complaining
3. Spend at least ten minutes each day doing what you thoroughly enjoy
4. Do kind acts for others
5. Go on adventures
6. Find the gift in every experience
I find No. 6 to be the most powerful of all the items on the list. Yes, there are times when an obstacle or a challenge or an event in your life can feel like the worst possible thing ever. It's that type of event that seems to defy logic and purpose: the death of a family member or friend, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, but it has been my experience over and over again that these are my greatest moments of growth and learning. And while in your moments of grief it is impossible to make sense of anything, I believe there will come a time when the true "purpose" of that experience will be made clear to you, if you're willing to look for it. Perhaps an experience like that causes you to re-evaluate how you spend your time or who you spend it with; perhaps that moment is a course correction in the direction your life path is on, but whatever it is, don't let the experience stop you from living your life... after all, it's the only one we have on this earth.
So my wish for you on this day is to be happy, for when you are happy, you have the key that opens all the world's doors to you. Whatever you decide, my love for you is unconditional; my arms and heart are always open to you. My wish for you is that you will someday know pure joy and that all your wishes come true.
