Happiness

Happiness is 1 of my 5 core values. Does this mean I am happy all the time, hell no. What it means is happiness is a requirement for me in how I live and the decisions I make. If I am unhappy, I should assess my unhappiness and make adjustments to return the joy to my life. Similarly, when I make decisions, I weigh out the pros and cons on how it will impact my happiness factor.

Happiness makes me feel alive. The picture of me above is a great example, my happiness shines through in the photo (as it also does for the person right next to me). Could it have been a different image that was captured? Absolutely! This was taken at the finish line of the Gasparilla 8k in 2020. I had run 3 half marathons the previous year and was not training like normal as my body was exhausted and sore. It was also really hot out by the time I got to the finish line. You wouldn't know any of this based on the happiness on my face. I was so excited to be there, to finish the race and to go drink a beer with my sister and bestie after.

I have learned that there are two things to understand in order to make happiness a reality.

Happiness is A State of Mind We Choose

We can choose to look at everything with a glass half full rather than a glass half empty. Just like we can choose to see beauty in everything rather than ugliness. This is how I want to be remembered, happy, filled with life. The alternative, always grumpy, miserable just doing what I need to in order to get through the day. There are plenty of times I am having a bad day, but someone is always having a worse day than I am. Put a smile on your face and be grateful for the life you have. This is not saying you will always be happy, but if you choose to live in a state of happiness you are more apt to make the best of every situation and find away to gain joy from it.

Only You Can Create Your Own Happiness

There are two sides to this equation. The first being that you own your own happiness. You can't look to others to provide happiness or create it for you. They may influence your happiness, but no one owns it except for yourself.

On the flip side, stop trying to always make others happy or believing that you are the source of another's happiness. It is their decision if they want happiness in the equation. And if anyone ever tells you that they need you in order to have happiness, they are attempting to control and manipulate you. Don't let it happen, you & you alone own your happiness.

Remember happiness is made not found. So go out today and create some bliss!