In church this past weekend we were reminded that happiness is a choice and simply put, we are happy as we choose to be. Happiness is not something you seek, it’s not something you can find and its not something you can gain based on “if only…”, “when this…” and “as soon as this happens…” thinking. Happiness does not come from status, salaries or success. It comes from being grateful for what you have and serving others. oh yea, we were also reminded to be grateful and never grumble..to do everything without complaining or arguing.
gulp.
Hmmm..sounds simple enough but simple does not mean easy and if you turn on the news or read the paper, there is not a whole lotta happy happenin. We are negative by nature and conditioned by culture (thanks alot Adam..okay, and Eve) and the best antidote to all of this and the easiest way to remember not to whine, pout or grumble is to practice service & generosity every day...
every.
single.
day.
and that brings me to today's list.
Download Attitudeofgratitude It is a simple little fall-ish list that you can print out and can be used for your to-do's but maybe you can also make one as a list of things "TO DO" to practice serving and giving...
Simple ways to serve others can be as easy as smiling...holding the door open, listening to someone, complimenting others, volunteering in your community or maybe giving anonymously. Giving is a great way to serve others.
Lastly (because there are a million way to serve) ...show and/or remind someone to choose happy:
"Happiness is something you must believe you can have and you then have to choose to be happy. You can be happy with hardship and suffering all around you and under terrible circumstances in your life if you truly believe you have that choice. For all those that need outside influences to be happy, you can provide that service and choose to be happy and to be an example of happiness for those around you regardless of the circumstances."