Some days are more challenging than others and some days I really struggle to get going. My not so secret secret to being happy most of the time? Understanding that I can't be happy all the time and that anything that's stressful or seemingly negative is a part of my life. Every moment I breathe I am living.
When we are kids we are asked what we want to be when we grow up. The question that should be asked is who do we want to be right now? In reality, children don't understand the limitations that the world beyond mom and dad's love and security. Anything is possible when we are children yet as children we just want to grow up. So while a child may say they want to be a princess or a teacher when they grow up, when they actually do grow up all they want is that freedom to just dream.
Instead of asking what we want to be when we grow up, let's ask something more realistic. What do you want to do today? Who do you want to be? Today is forever what we have. So live your life. Don't waste all your time dreaming; be whoever you want to be today. Every moment you breathe you are living.
It's scary because that puts a lot of pressure amongst all the necessities of living in society. You have to work, keep your home clean, care for your family, etc. I'm not saying quit your job and leave your family so you can go to the Himalayas and find yourself. (All this would do is reveal that, while the scenery of the mountains is breath taking, the only air you wish to breathe is right next to your family and loved ones). What I'm saying is, keep your moments. Read about what truly interests you; ask questions; make a mental note to call your brother then actually do it when you get home; if you want to help others volunteer at a soup kitchen or bring a hobo a blanket (even if he probably won't be there when you come back with it); tell your mother you love her whenever you can; reach out to family even though you have no established connection; use lulling moments of watching television for doing kalestetics instead; take your dog for a walk instead of eating that pint of ice cream because you're bored or lonely.
Live every breath and be present. Feel the music of life all around you. Break free from ruts even if what you must do is frightening. (Leave your cubicle job for one that makes you happy even if it pays less-- that big house isn't making you happy so why not move and have less expenses to cover?)
Take a deep breathe, sigh it out quickly.
Take another deep breathe, let it go slowly.
The new year, or this next moment, or this one and this one, can be a place in time where you consider happiness and release anything that does not serve you. I say release because you are what's holding onto it. No emotion exists unless you feed it.
