Happiness…Your Responsibility
Happiness….You are responsible for your own happiness plain and simple, well maybe not so simple for some, me included…years ago.
Lots of women are guilty of looking for someone else to make them happy. It could come from family history, watching Mom do everything for everyone in the family, making sure the family was happy. And there is nothing wrong with Mom looking after her family! But there is a point where the family has to figure out life on their own as well.
The first time I heard, being responsible for my own happiness was a light bulb moment for me. I remember I was in my thirties…good gawd that was over thirty years ago, seems like yesterday, I had been feeling down and doing a lot of whining in my own head about not being happy.
Or what I thought happy was suppose to be.
I blamed my husband at the time because he was away a lot doing his own hobbies and things and I guess I felt left out. (That sounds so crazy and so wrong now).
Then I watched a talk show and the host said that line…”You are responsible for your own happiness”
It was like a switch went off in my brain…OMG…she was right. And my thinking completely changed.
If I wasn’t happy, then I was the one to change it, to find something to make me happy.
So I decided to find a new hobby. I had always been interested in photography, so why not give it a try.
And I loved it! It got me out wandering for subjects to shoot, I love nature and wandering, so it was a great combination for me. It challenged me to learn proper camera settings, editing, posting to social media and eventually selling cards and prints.
It was just what I needed. It seems the challenge is what makes me happy as well, because here I am challenging myself years later, creating a blog, and other artsy stuff! My point is you have to find something of your own. If it gives you joy and a feeling of accomplishment then you know you are on the right track.
Happiness will look different for everyone, so don’t judge yours against someone else. Don’t be afraid to try different things and find what works best for you.
Life Experience Wisdom
Try things and see what works for you…you are in control of your own happiness.
*It could be a hobby.
*Traveling. Either in your own hometown to try new shops or restaurants, or venture out and explore new areas.
*Volunteering with a cause close to your heart.
*Join a group. Book club, yoga, walking, etc. there are an endless number of groups to be a part of.
*Or start a group of your own.
*Make yourself a priority. Eat better, exercise more (My go to is walking).
*Sleep more.
*Read more.
*Journal out your feelings. (My other go to. I write it down and then write out solutions.)
*Spend time in nature. (My other go to. For me a walk in the woods is a cure all for feeling down).
So whatever you decide to try, follow your passion and remember you are doing it to make yourself a priority and find your own happiness! Don’t rely on others to make you happy, you can do that all on your own!
Cheers til next time
Grace
My Motto
When life throws baseball size lemons at you, that smack you upside the head, stomp on those damn things and make yourself a cocktail!