It’s Your Birthright to Be Happy
“Actively seek happiness and have the courage to embrace it.”
—Nancy Salmeron
A few weeks ago, I had a call from a teacher friend who wanted to catch up over coffee and buy my book.
“Are you happy?” she asked me.
I told her, “In this present moment, I am happy. I am happy because I am here with you speaking about my book, my new journey, and all my dreams and life goals that I still have to accomplish. But I have discovered that happiness is not something that is only found when we are living in purpose; it is also found in the mundane, ordinary life events. I have my peaks, but I also have my valleys. I get excited about projects and events that I am part of, but my happiness is found in being reflective about where I am in the moment and where I aspire to be.”
“You seem different,” she told me. “You seem to be more aware and alert.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
She answered, “Well, you are more focused and less distracted.”
“I have learned to stay in the moment,” I told her. “I have concluded that if I stay present and pay attention, I may discover happiness in every moment.”
“Wow, you have always been a pretty optimistic and happy person, but never so deep.”
We laughed at that last comment and then reminisced about our time together as teachers. This conversation with my old colleague made me reflect on happiness and what it really means. What does it mean to be happy? Why are we in constant pursuit of happiness? Lastly, where do we find it? Today, let’s focus on what happiness means and how we can implement more of it in our lives.
What does it mean to be happy?
I believe that to be happy is an active choice. To be happy is to make a decision that you will be realistic about any current, difficult situations, but you will see possible, positive solutions to problems. To be happy is to focus on the good more than the bad. When I encounter a difficult situation in my life, I make the choice that I will overcome whatever is happening. I don’t give myself much time to dwell on the negative. To be happy is to understand that happiness comes in small bursts, so you must pay attention.
Happiness is an inside job.
You can’t depend on anybody to make you happy. If someone in your life is dragging you down, you have given them too much power. Look inside of you and reflect on what is making you unhappy. Once you have done that, decide what needs to change. You may need to change the way you see a situation. You may need to change the situation, or you may need to abandon an individual or job that is threatening your happiness.
You can’t buy happiness.
Happiness is not found in a store. Happiness is found in your heart and soul. You may be able to find it in a kind, loving act. You may find it in a smile during the time you spend with someone you love. Happiness is not found in the material world.
Love, not fear, guides you to happiness.
Happiness is doing what you love without fear. I speak to people about living a life of purpose by losing their fear. True happiness is found when you are not afraid to follow your dreams. It is found in being honest about what you desire and pursuing it. Become happy by facing your fears.
Happiness is found in the present moment.
Yes, pursue your life dreams and goals, but be present! As I reflect on my current successes and moments of bliss and joy, I have concluded that my happiest times have been listening to my ten-year-old daughter Miranda tell me about her day; telling my seventeen-year-old son to have a great day as he goes to school; or lying next to my husband, Carlos, as we watch a movie. These are simple moments that bring me much joy. These are moments that someday I will miss. Be present and savor those moments that someday will become memories.
True happiness is found deep in your soul. Your happiness is not dependent on anybody else. If someone or something is impeding your happiness, learn to change it or let it go. Stay in the moment and treasure every moment you have with people whom you love. Happiness is not something you buy; it’s something you experience in your heart. Until next time, remember to Believe. Change. Become.
Sending much love and happiness your way!
Nancy
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