Seek Happiness from Within

How many times have we said something like, "I'll be so happy when..."  For me it was, "I'll be happy when we are living back in the Pacific Northwest."  Of course for me that means that I have to sell my home and move a couple thousand miles.  It does require that our house be listed for sale and that we have a place to go when we get there.  None of those parts of the puzzle are in place. 

So should this mean that I'm going to be miserable until I get to where I want to live?  If I am then it is a choice that I make.  And I can tell you I'm not going to make that choice! 

When we look to external factors for our happiness, from the things we have to the people in our lives, we are sorely disappointed.  No amount of stuff is ever going to be enough and the only person who can make me happy is me!  

Relying on other people, conditions or things means that we don't feel that we are responsible for our own happiness.  When we feel this way then we have a "victim" mentality where we believe that since we aren't responsible for our own happiness then we can't do anything to change it.

In reality we are THE only one responsible for our happiness.  Even in the most dire of circumstances we get to choose how we react. 

In Simple Steps... Real Change, The Book I wrote about Campbell who went from a gifted athlete to being paralyzed in a tragic accident with a drunk driver.  Everything that she held dear in her young life was gone in an instant.  Rather than focus on being a victim she chose to use her experience to help other children dealing with similar situation.  She chose to be happy.   

When we stay stuck in our misery something else happens...  All of our friends & family who do their best to help us feel helpless.  If we aren't willing to help ourselves then there really is nothing that they can do.  It's painful for them to watch us deteriorate.  For those who have tried for a long time to help us and we resist their suggestions and efforts then they may give up...and in some cases lose patience.  We may even feel that they don't understand.  Maybe they don't...but then neither do we because our choosing to be miserable. 

If you can see yourself in any of what I have written then know that you are not alone.  I've been there too.  Here are some of the Simple Steps that helped me come back into the light:

• "Simple Steps... Real Change, the Book" - Download it for free.  It's a short read. You can read it in an hour or two.  There are several tailored Simple Steps complete with worksheets where you can practice the shift in perspective that helps you to see more positivity.

• Seek Professional Help - If you are depressed or feel like you don't want to try then you need expert help. Oftentimes we think that we cannot afford to see a doctor or counselor.  Every county has free resources.  Seek them out.  Go to your church and ask for help from your clergy.  Organizations for seniors, military, disabilities and others all have great websites and resources.  Research them on the Internet. 

• Support Groups - Positive focused websites and pages are added every day.  Look for the one that has similar direction as you are seeking. 

• Recommended Reading - I have posted a list of books that I have read and relied on for inspiration and ideas.  Check them out at your local library or Half Priced Bookstores. 

Do not put your life on hold.  The time to be happy is now!  The time to take charge of your happiness is NOW!  When you do you'll feel in control.  And that Simple Step feels better!

Lessons in Survival

As last week ended I had no internet on Friday and most of Saturday.  During that time I went back to my passion...reading books.  And what a treat that was! 

Yesterday I posted some information about one of the books that I read, "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Price. It was not a book that "called" me before though it has been out for awhile.  What was great to see was the response from those of you who had read it...and also from those who are looking for comfort following the loss of a loved one.  That was me. What I received was far more than I expected but exactly what I needed.

Here is a bit of this real life story:

Don Piper is a Baptist minister who was in a horrific accident when his car was struck by an semi truck.  He was declared dead at the scene of the accident, covered with a tarp and left there while the rest of the accident was cleared.  Another minister, Dick,  traveling home stopped at the accident site and received word from God that he should pray for the man in the car that everyone said was dead.  In particular he was to pray that the man would be delivered from unseen injuries, brain & internal injuries. While the paramedics & police at the scene told him that it was useless he crawled up under the tarp, touched Don's shoulder and began to pray and sing hymns. 

Some 90 minutes after the accident as Dick began singing "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Don started to sing along with him.  Don survived the accident with neither brain nor internal injuries.  His body was badly mangled and his recovery long and painful. 

There are 4 key messages that reading Don's story left with me.  They are:

• Never underestimate the power of prayer.  (Apparently unanswered prayers are blessings.  See next point.)
• There is a reason for everything though it may take time for it to play out. (Look for the lesson.)
•  Even in the worst adversity there is hope. (Never give up!  Never give up!)
• When a loved one dies there is joy and peace for them as they are surrounded by those who have gone before them.  (This brought me comfort with Dad's passing.)

If you are ready to be inspired... If you are ready see the lessons in your life...  If you are ready to move outside the walls that surround you...  Read this book!  That is the Simple Step for today. 

Click here to review or purchase "90 Minutes in Heaven" through Amazon.com.*

In the coming days we'll talk more about this book and others that I believe provide inspiration and ideas on how to work through challenges that you and I are dealing with.  As always I welcome your feedback & ideas on anything that you would like to talk about. 

With Love & Joy!

Cheryl

*I am paid a small commission by Amazon.com for anything purchased through my website.