Don't Wait to Be Happy

[Bucky]

Don't Wait to Be Happy

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.  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, when we 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!

Remember that time waits for no one.  Happiness is like sugar, just a little can make you smile.     Pass on some happiness today!


(Taken from my files - unknown author)

[dbab]

Wise words Bucky!  ... and thank you for that, I really needed that to put things in perspective.

Live for today and be happy and make the most of what you have.  You are in control of your outlook in life and you can choose your attitude about it.  I sometimes get down, may not be in control in what happens day to day but I do have control in my perception and how I handle the situation.  I know that the energy I give off to the people around me are also affected and I don't want to drag people down (especially the people I love).

[Cheryl]

Bucky and Dbab,
  I couldn't have said it better myself!  Thank you for the reminders! 
Cheryl

[Carolina]

The real key is to be happy with what is.   Hot tea, a happy kitty next to you, a sunny day, a song you like, clean clothes, a funny show on TV. A child's happy face.

And let the world whirl around and around (it will anyway) without too much input from you if possible.

I love the serenity prayer.

God, grant me the serenity (I ask for it, cause I can't make serenity happen, and it is a gift. I'm not demanding this, but asking for serenity.   God by the way is an all purpose term which means, NOT ME).

To accept the things I cannot change.  (Accept, not tolerate, not put up with, and sigh like a martyr, not complain about every second: ACCEPT).

The courage to change the things I can (remember I'm still asking 'god' for courage, cause I surely don't have this courage on my own!)

And the wisdom to know the difference.  (OMG, knowing the difference takes the wisdom of the ages.  Again, asking for wisdom, cause it isn't mine for sure on my own).

It's all about the journey, not the destination.

really

ONE caveat:   Pain makes all of this very very difficult to achieve.    Pain has its own rules.

Kisses

Elaine

[CAT1962]

{{{BUCKY}}}....soft hugs, of course..

[Catilee2]

Thank you Bucky!!!

    a smile makes good brain chemicals and strengthens some of the face muscles. A frown encourages the opposite chemical reactions and who wants a droopy chin as well?
    You always make me smile when I rad your pearls that you write.

Catilee 2

[newhorizons]

Hubby and I mentioned to each other that we had thought our retirement years would be golden years. Well folks, he's 69 and I'm 68 and we're still looking for the Gold in golden years!!!

[Meld256]

Bucky,
Thanks so much for posting this...very encouraging words.

I read years ago (when I was MUCH younger, lol) that we could have happiness by sometimes just choosing to be happy. At the time I thought that's the dumbest thing I ever heard!  But NOW I understand it and it's true.

Elaine, thanks for more detail on the Serenity Prayer. You are right about being happy with what is. I've been learning how to enjoy small things that give me joy, and be grateful that I have more time now to slow down and look around at my blessings.

My husband and I were talking about how we thought we might have been traveling by now, doing more things. That's not happening right now. We may be able to financially and physically someday and maybe not.  I'll be happy now, not then.

Makes me think...We've lost several family members recently and we cherish the time we have together. If the only traveling we ever do is to the front yard or porch swing to enjoy the evening talking and laughing together, I think that will be ok with me. 

[Chickpea]

Thanks for this reminder Bucky.  You always find the best things for us!

I'm thankful that it didn't take my current situation/disability/health issues to remind me that life is precious.  I've been blessed with huge doses of happiness, and the awareness to enjoy them.  I have no idea why, but I'm grateful. 

Thanks Carolina too, for the reminder of this lovely prayer and a helpful interpretation.

Love to all - Chickpea

[paperdoll]

I really needed this today!

Thanks loads Bucky and I'm reading and loving all the posts following!!!!!!!!!!!!!!