Happiness On Hold

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,or 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. 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 with...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting

--until your car or home is paid off --until you get a new car or home --until your kids leave the house --until you go back to school --until you lose ten pounds --until you gain ten pounds --until you finish school --until you get a divorce --until you get married --until you have kids --until you retire --until summer --until spring --until winter --until fall --until you die

There is no better time than right now to be happy.

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

So -- work like you don't need money, Love like you've never been hurt, And dance like no one's watching.

author- unknown

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Answers

Right on Renee. 'Nothing Special', a book by Charlotte Joke Beck points to the fact that all we ever really have is here and now. To project into the future or the past is to miss living. Thanks for a great thought, works for me. jz

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Renee, I really like this! Wish I did know the author. I'm taking this into work with me to post it on the all-important bathroom bulletin board. May give a copy to our social workers too. I sure wouldn't have much to do at work if folks would do this! Thanks!

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

I hear what your saying. My new "anthem" is Travis Tritts' "Why can't everyday be just this good". I have our local station play it every morning before our staff meeting at work.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

That is most excellent, Renee. I've saved your whole page so I can go back and read it when I get the monthly bills in the mail or my daughter-in-law does something to really p... me off! Thank you!!

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

This is so profound, but it sure is hard to do at times. I am learning though to take things in stride and appreciate the many blessings I have.

Blessings, Judy

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

God almighty Renee that was my life! When I was in grade school I could hardly wait to be in junior high. In junior high I thought if I could only be in high school things would be better! Then if I could only get out and make money. Then I'd really be grown if I got married and had kids. On and on till one day my wife died in a plane crash and then I realized how important living NOW is!!!! Thanks for the post it was perfect!!...Kirk

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2001

Well can I tell you this? Once I had a vision,in this vision I was watching as some people were clearing their land, to build a house, they were taking down the old trees, shrubs , all the green stuff, bulldozing it down to start over, then after they had built their house, they replanted and reseeded. I was laughing because I have allways found it silly when people do this. Then (the voice) said, "YOU are trying to grow God where God allready is." I take this to mean that God is right here, right now, He isn't gonna wait untill things are just so, he allready is, right now in the present, I don't have to grow him. And if God is here in everything right now, why the heck shouldn't I be happpy with the way things are. I try to remember this when I get to striving too hard. One thing that I find very interesting when I have a vision or a dream that speaks to me, alot of times something about plants is in it. Isn't that so neat, how it comes to me in my own lanquaqe , using the things that I most understand. Have a Happy Day!

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Kirk... fully understand that part about living after a spouse dies...

my hubby unfortunately decided that life was not worth living... and he took his own life... and he could have easier taken mine and our 7 month old son at the mental state he is in...

and it gives one a new appreciation for life after that!!!!

happy living!!! even with its problems and pains!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Wow Yarrow thats a really tough one! There is something about the shock of death thats shakes a person up doesn't it? For me it was YES WE REALLY DO DIE, THIS IS IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!! My wife was only 28 so it can happen at any time as you know. Thanks Yarrow for sharing that....With love ....Kirk

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Great post Renee', couldn't agree more with the whole kit and kaboodle!! Kirk and Yarrow my deepest compassion for the both of you. It is heartening to see that you both seem to have latched onto something positive spiritually because of it(?). Too many people take the opposite road with the "what kind of God would do this to me " thing. Which I believe places far too much value on ourselves but that's another story.Bless you in all that you do that is good.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

On a lighter note (no slight to you two who have suffered such grievous losses...my heart is heavier from reading what you wrote. But glad you seem to have tempered into such strength.)

...Don't forget the one that says that you'll finally be better after you lose those ten pounds!

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Renee, thanks for sharing this one.

Kirk and yarrow, Dan said what I wanted to say but I couldn't figure out the words, Thanks Dan, and all blessings to you Kirk and Yarrow, and thanks for being the blessings that you are on this forum.! Love Tren

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

Thanks for the well wishes... however, after you get through the shock and realization that life does go on.... you accept your lot... however for myself... I have learned much about myself, ideals and what I want from life....

I have learned that I am stronger than I thought... actually quite bull headed... I can do more on my own if I am determined to do... I have learned to be more compassionated and more willing to listen to "hurting" folks... I'm more willing to help strangers going through similar situations... and give a helping hand...

I have learned to take more picture of loved ones and give more hugs... send greetings and birthday greetings....and more willing to laugh at the world but especially myself.... it eases lots of tension

learning to spread happiness is another big one.... I find that folks don't like happines... I like to laugh, joke and be playful at work... sing and whistling is a must for me... I'm continually told I can't have that much fun.... or to be that happy.... I have told by folks (teachers)... I clean school at night... that I should be more serious.... sad... really sad...

I could be bitter... and I have been since my hubby died... as he left me with 7 children to raise on my own and family is 600 miles away.... I still have 5 of them at home ... but the kids have helped me alot... I haven't had much time to feel sorry for myself ( I still do to much of that too!!!! :( ) but I do feel sorry for the kids... cuz there dad couldn't live for them... for their special events and just life in general....

but the flip side of his death is the freedom of learning to be me... I married him at 18... right out of high school.... so really finding out who I am..... yeah!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Yarrow, You go girl! Love tren

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Kirk and yarrow, thank you for sharing - sure puts my petty little problems into a proper perspective. The sun is shining here in Michigan again, heard my first Wood Thrush this morning!!! There was ice on the water this morning-sure seems like global cooling rather than global warming here. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

Kirk and Yarrow, what you share inspires me, thank you. jz

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2001

Wow........Kirk and Yarrow........

shed some tears here just IMAGINING what it would be like going through what you have....thank you so much for your strength and persistance at life and your good humor even yet......what huge people you are!!

Blessed be to you and all the indescribable beings here,

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2001