Happiness

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. 

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. 

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? 

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. 

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." 

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. 

So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one. 

So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer,  until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. 

Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching.

 [ send green star]

Is there happiness in poverty? in sickness? in homelessness? With those circumstances of precious life before us being endured/lived, can you accept that the conditions of the world deem less happy despite knowing it exists, somewhere, in some household?

I would rather not equate happiness with financial wealth but rather spiritual wealth and even then happiness is an ego human term used to define a 'state of being'. So why not contentment rather than happiness and being pleased with ones life thus far ?

 [ send green star]

 [ accepted]

Thank you Brian.  I understand what you are saying.  Even in adversity, happiness is there at times, but it may be forgotten, or remembrance of it pushed aside in the face of one's challenges.    I think that those who make the best of what they do have are more likely to find happiness, given that their material needs are met.  Affluent people are more likely to be happy as well as comfortable if they appreciate everything that is, and act accordingly (i.e. listen to, understand, and address other people's needs, because we are all inter-connected).

 [ send green star]  [ accepted]

Salaam!

Beautiful posting!!  We all need more happiness, more tolerance, more patience, more understanding, more time to slow down and smell the roses...lovely posting-you are the most uplifting and spiritually grounded brotha I know-and I have much love and respect for everything you write-for it is pure and from the heart of love and divinely inspired to share with others-and there are so many people who are on high elevations of spiritual quest-who derive much from your uplifting and positive words..so thank you my friend & brotha for your precious self-Mother Angel would be so proud!

As salaamu alaikum rahmatullah wa barakhytu

love A'isha

 [ send green star]

As you said Bryan, a way  . . . a good avenue to adopt no matter what. Easier said than done especially now when facing a new road without a loved one. I know I still should be happy and am trying to see where it fits on the path i am currently traveling, I know its there I know it is ! Had to come back and re-read adding another dimension. Thanks ! and good holidays to you !

 [ send green star]

 [ accepted]

Yes new times in adversity ..... Loosing someone you love /its important to to hold on  - if you need someone to talk w/ Erica my shoulder is there .  Your a good woman/hugs

 [ send green star]