If someone were to ask me to select a quote that could impact a substantial part of our global population, if adhered to, I would choose this one:
“Your success and
happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy,
and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”
(Helen Keller)
(Helen Keller)
You may say…”Being happy is not that simple or easy to do."
I would say, “Why not?" In my opinion, happiness is a state
of mind, not a state of circumstances.
I’m close to several people who many would trade lives with
in less than a second, yet happiness eludes them. Even with a multitude of life
advantages, they are continuously looking for more or are never satisfied. It’s
very hard to be happy that way.
I wrote about one such friend below; a guy who nearly threw
his good life away. He’s in a much better place now.
Many of the happiest people I know don’t have lots of money
and aren’t the most successful, yet they display happiness in abundance and
never fail to inspire me. They are grateful for what they have and find joy in
whatever comes their way. Some have very tough lives but keep happiness in
their heart.
I write from experience as I wasn’t happy for a period of
time in my mid 20’s. Adjusting to the
real world after college wasn’t easy after a childhood of double privilege – good
parents and glorious formative years as a high school basketball star. In
addition, I had the rare and comfortable college experience as a “basketball scholarship
student-athlete” at the University
of Vermont.
Unbeknownst to me, Boston
would provide the struggle that was missing in my earlier years.
Overall, my 4 years in Boston
were good and I met numerous new friends; many of whom are still close to me.
In addition, my career was flowing smoothly, yet my lack of optimism and
happiness was apparent from time to time. I knew I couldn’t live this way. Even
though life was progressing well and I was being responsible, there were
moments when I couldn’t see it or feel it or be it - the essence of unhappiness
I don’t remember how or why I was inspired to “choose
happiness”, although I clearly remember the moment. It coincided with a move
from Boston to Pennsylvania (maybe the catalyst) and it was
as if a big 12k (26lb) weight was lifted from my shoulders. It felt great! I silently made a commitment to be happy for
as long as I lived.
My life since then has been fantastic, yet like most, not
without its share of challenges, disappointments and difficulties. During the
trying times, happiness kept me going in a positive direction. That happiness
resolve was like a lighting bolt at times – brightening up some of my most
unsettling situations. Also, I made sure to stay surrounded by joyful friends
as it was easy to feed off their positivity.
Everyone struggles at some point and Boston was my time.
"Because of the Boston trials and tribulations, I was a
better, kinder, stronger & more prepared man for what was to come - most
notably 10 fabulous years in New York City, happy travels to Europe &
living as an ex-pat in Sweden. Without Beantown, I would not have been
ready to tackle my diverse life."
If you are not happy, be bold and make the changes necessary.
The path towards happiness is waiting.
It may require a simple remedy like mine (attitude adjustment) or a more
complex approach. Do what it takes and
make the commitment.
SEE the good in your life, FEEL the love of friends and
family around you and BE in the moment.
Resolve to Be Happy.
Happy Gswede Sunday!
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