Finding Happiness

I recently had a conversation with someone where they asked the question “How do people find happiness?” It got me thinking........

Instead of reflecting on that question about other people, I started thinking about how and where “I” find happiness and do I really understand it when I find it. I know all the cliché responses like “money doesn’t buy happiness,” or “you are in control of your own happiness,” but what does it mean in practical term? When I get up in the morning and think about my day ahead where I would normally find happiness; seeing my workmates and having a laugh, welcoming, working with and chatting with our Open Door friends when they come, learning new things that will support and develop my spiritual journey, meditating and taking part in creative workshops and of course, like every other working person on the planet, packing up my office and heading home at the end of the day. Would I, or do I, ever think to look for happiness in the mundane,  routine and necessary parts of my day like; driving to work, answering emails, doing dishes (yes people, I sometimes do, do the dishes) or taking the rubbish out. And if I was to look for happiness in these things what exactly would I look for?

Here are some things I thought I might try doing to find happiness and see if this changes my perspective on understanding happiness; listen to my favourite music on the drive into work, or listen to some inspirational audio cd’s (for example Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estés – “The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories About the Cycles of Creativity” or “Contemplative Prayer” by Fr Thomas Keating). When responding to, or sending out business emails send a happy little cheerio or a lovely quote that might brighten someone’s day like, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” – Mae West. As I am doing the dishes turn the radio up and have a little dance while unapologetically singing at the top of my lungs. And lastly, when I take the rubbish out I will have a walk around our beautiful garden that is taken care of with such tender loving care and really enjoy the sights, the sounds and the smells.

Just thinking about all these things I am going to do has already made me feel a little happier and I understand that it is my own attitudes and actions that bring me the greatest happiness...

I challenge everyone who reads this blog to find happiness in their days or their lives where they would least expect to find it or to even change their whole concept of where the happiness is and to see every waking moment as a moment of happiness.

Good Luck

~ Kelly