Happiness isn’t about stuff, is it?
I’m not denying that some of my stuff makes me happy. There are photos all over my house — of family and friends and of favorite quotes and Scripture verses — and seeing those creates a sense of happiness inside of me. And then there are gifts I’ve received that I treasure because they remind me of the giver — and yes, that kind of “stuff” makes me happy.
But all of this is a circumstantial kind of happiness. Stuff wears out. Or I use it up. Sometimes I misplace it. And sometimes I’ve been known to give stuff away — not to a thrift store, but to someone else who I think will enjoy something even more than I do.
Realizing I’m not who I used to be creates an inordinate amount of happiness inside of me. I’m no longer that scared little girl that somehow followed myself into adulthood. I found my brave. I traded the habit of keeping secrets and celebrate surprises instead — and yes, there’s a huge difference between the two. I’m honest about my past. I try to pay attention to what’s happening in my present. And I’m not afraid of the future … well, most days I’m not. Still working on that.
I’m accepting who I was, who I am, and who I’m becoming. I love the imperfect person I see in the mirror — and I notice those imperfections less and less. I know what I value — things like honesty and compassion — and I strive to achieve them on a daily basis.
And that, my friend, is happiness.
In Others’ Words: Who are you and how has that contributed to your happiness?
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: Come On, Get Happy #InOthersWords #lifequotes #happiness”] [Tweet “”What a man is contributes much more to his happiness than what he has.” #quotes #AruthurSchopenhauer #happiness”]
My next contemporary romance, Almost Like Being in Love, releases in less than a week! So, it’s time for another giveaway! Enter here to win one of two copies of my newest destination wedding novel!
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Attending last week’s author retreat where we batted and swooped story ideas up and down like badminton birds, I realized how far I’ve come in welcoming transparency and critiquing since the first StoryCrafters is it five years ago? And how much some resulting deeply meaningful friendships have changed my life and added to my happiness. I’m blessed, thankful, and enjoying this great journey.
Author
Dee:
Your comment made me smile.
Our relationships with others so often mold us into who we are. And yes, gratitude so often adds to our happiness.
Funny you should ask, Who Are You? Last night I almost had “the late” added to the beginning of my name.
After some particularly unpleasant hours, I felt my soul leaving my body, and fought like hell to get back. I am making something of a career out of returning from what are supposed to be one-way trips.
Everything hurts, but I’m kind of happy to still be here.
Author
Andrew:
Who are you?
A fighter.
That’s for sure.
And I’m happy you’re still here, too. No “kind of” about it.
I’ve been told I should lean back into God’s embrace, and let go. I was told that this morning, in fact.
Not my way. I will fight this thing to the end. Bring the pain. I am ready.