At times when our country seems so divided by politics, enraged and bitter so much that even grandmothers are posting hate speech on social media, it can be pretty difficult not to feel despair and a lack of hope. Days when we should be celebrating each other such as a birthday get buried in the mire of negativity barraging us at every turn.
Is there anything out there anymore that we can trust, that can lift us up, that shows who we really are at heart? Are we a compassionate nation of rational individuals able to think for ourselves, or are we allowing outside influences to direct what we believe and most importantly how we feel about and how we react to what we see?
If you are waiting for things to change and get better, they may not any time soon. Should we all give up and succumb to madness? We cannot. Our happiness is only within our control. Every day is a choice to become enmeshed in the fear or embrace the love. Sadly, too many of us see our lives through a lens of futility. I say it’s time for some rose-colored glasses again.
“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
I challenge you today, to do what I did, and to make a list of anything that makes you happy. No item, event, or experience is too small. Then in the dark nights of the soul when all feels overwhelming and hopeless, take that list and go do one of those things. You are the navigator of your own happiness if you so choose to be.
My list? Dancing, writing, petting the cat, working with plants, cooking, making others comfortable and entertaining them, a walk in the woods, dogs, watching birds, being with friends, driving, hugs, reading in the park, kissing, taking walks or riding my bike, kayaking, camping, music festivals, singing, and snuggling on the sofa watching movies.
You’ve got this!
Christina
