Choosing Happiness

I stopped by B&N the other day, looking for  this book , and while I purchased it, along with a couple'a home design & art magazines, I let myself be led to Choosing Happiness as well. I haven't much disposable time to read, but when I find a good book, with words of wisdom good for the soul, I so enjoy sitting in my studio, curled up on my settee surrounded by pillows, reading, and writing in the book as well as my journal. Do you write in your books?

It's a choice, you know - happiness. So often we seek it as if it may be found in a department store, a beautiful home, a fabulous vacation, a perfect job or an overflowing bank account - or a glazed doughnut & cappuccino (my personal preference).

The author (like so many others - there's got to be something to this concept) tells us to live mindfully present in each moment of our day.  This refers to everything from changing the bed linens, doing laundry, driving our children to their many appointed places, and so much more. "The past, whether good or bad, is not where we should water the seeds of our consciousness, because doing so drains our energy from what is alive in and around us now. Dwelling on the past inhibits our ability to move forward and take action to inspire our well being." True happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future.

I have always loved the song, Que Sera Sera - its poignant yet playful lyrics tell us the future is not ours to see. It will arrive no matter the amount of worry or anxiety we invest, so instead, spend that energy productively, positively in the here and now.

My sweet little momma bird who built her nest just outside my office window is a precious reminder, a gift from Mother Earth, that true happiness is in the here and now. Her little baby birdlets have hatched, and she and daddy bird are dutifully caring for their offspring, moment by precious moment.

I love what I do - honestly, it's taken quite a long time to own it, as they say. This is work of my choosing, of my planning, of my intention - and here it is in full swing. EVERYTHING in my past has led me to this place where I find myself today.  Because I want to be all that I am capable of becoming, and have what's needed to pass this on to my daughters, I want to take a deeper look at things like authenticity, happiness, defining who I am, my real beauty, the things I dare to dream and do, and invite you to join me in this very special journey - beauty in every day matters of the heart. I hope you will join me.

Magical things happen every day and life itself is grace. Will you choose happiness today? When you do, I bet'cha you'll see magical moments pop up all around you.

xoxo

Terri

Comments

[Janet Wecker Frisch]

Hi Terri - I'm not familiar with the book but I am with the "choice" factor. Thanks for the reminder!

[Elaine]

I agree - happiness is always there for those who seek it! You are one of the people who always seems to find it, Teri :) Your reminder about this way of thinking would do well spread around the world, wouldn't it!?

[Sue]

So very true and well shared Terri. I think true happiness can only come by being present in every moment. Having hopes and dreams are a great thing but staying in the moment and enjoying the process is were true happiness can be found. Not all moments will be happy ones we all face challenges and sadness, however those times help us learn and grow as hard as they can be.

[nan]

I really loved your post today...I've been sad recently and I think I had forgotten how much choice I really do have. Think I'll choose happy today. Thanks :)

[Vickie]

Terri,

So true...choices we make every day to enjoy the moments we have or spend our time in worry and discontent truly affect who we are and where we are. Thanks for the sweet reminder.

[Jennifer Scull]

your post today is so true - all of life is about the choices we make - how we respond to what may come our way. I chose joy. I chose to celebrate the things like the birds that nest outside my window, too, and the songs they sing to me every morning. oh what delight! :) thank you for this wonderful inspiring read today as I sip my coffee.
have a glorious weekend!