Today, March 20th, is the International Day of Happiness and it’s not too late to join the movement. Visit the link, sign the pledge, and help spread happiness. I believe happiness is a choice. I choose to live my life deliberately and intentionally. I choose happiness and joy. You can too!
“I will try to create more happiness in the world around me.”
There are ten key aspects to living a happy and fulfilled life, according to research. All ten of these things are within our control:
It’s a powerful thing to recognize that your happiness is controlled by you, and your actions and choices.
Although I stumbled across this day when I was doing some planning at the beginning of the year for blog ideas, I discovered that I already live my life according to the GREAT DREAM and wanted to share these lessons with others. Living with a chronic condition, such as fibromyaligia and chronic back pain, can sometimes derail ones happiness, but I believe that attitude and positive thinking is as helpful in healing one’s body as medicine sometimes is.
This past week I was on vacation with my daughter for her Spring break. Nothing fancy – we went to Portland, Oregon, to see my family. I helped around the house and yard a little (giving). My daughter spent time getting tutored in Spanish from her grandfather (relating). We hiked (exercise). We talked (relating). We had tea and dumplings at the Japanese garden (trying out). This was a much needed break for both of us to recharge from work, school, stress (resilience), illness (hers), and pain (mine). Sometimes it’s the simple things in life, like spending quality time with family or hiking the trails by the country’s second tallest waterfall, that brings the most joy to everyone.
I have always loved giving my kids the opportunity to try new things and visit new places. Experiences are key for people to grow, learn, and become aware of the world around them. It’s my opinion that doing those GREAT things (giving, relating, exercise, awareness, and trying out) will then open you up to DREAMs – (direction/goals, resilience, emotions, accepting who you are, and finding meaning in your life).
So today I challenge you to try to do at least one of those ten key things on the list that you don’t normally do, and be intentional about your happiness. You would be surprised how contagious a positive attitude and a smile can be, and what joy it might bring to others. I would love to hear how you choose happiness.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
Cheers!
Cynthia
My Inspired Fibro Life 