Choose happiness. How many times have we been advised this?
But there's a point you know. Attitude is everything.
We can wake up and say, oh, I can't believe it is so cold! Or we can say, oh, wow, what a great day to try on my new boots!
Agreed that it is hard to stay positive all the time, but most of the time, we can pick the option that makes us feel just a little better than the one that drags us down, right? Right?
Let me share with you a tiny story.
There was this lady, about 90 years old, who lived with her husband. They did not have children. They had been married for 70 years. She enjoyed dressing well. She applied makeup every day and did up her hair in different styles.
Then, one day, her husband passed away. As she had no children or family to care for her, she opted to move into a home for the elderly.
On the day she moved out of her home, she dressed well as usual, looking gorgeous.
She arrived at the home for the elderly. They made her wait in the lobby for hours. And she did. Patiently, for her room to be ready.
Finally, an attendant came over to escort her to her room. As they made their way to her room, the attendant described the tiny space allotted to the lady.
"Oh I love it," said the lady, enthusiastically, like a child who had been presented with a new puppy.
"But Ma'am, you have not seen your room yet!" said the attendant, surprised.
"Well, dear, my joy has nothing to do with the room," responded the lady, "whether I like my room or not has nothing to do with how my things are arranged ... it depends on how I arrange my mind. I choose to be happy ahead of time ... to love my room, to love the people around me, to love my life. This is a decision I make when I wake up each morning. Because I have the power to choose how I feel."
The attendant listened, stunned, as the lady continued to speak. She said, "I have the choice to lay in bed all day, thinking about my pain, focusing on my weaknesses, or I can get up and be thankful for my health. Each day is a gift. As long as I can see with my eyes, I will focus on today and the happy memories I have stored in my mind to enjoy at this time in my life."
The attendant was amazed by the lady's attitude. To an observer, it looked like her life was without hope and full of problems. Yet, she chose to be positive.
Yes, there are people like that, too.
When it rains, look for rainbows. When it is dark, look for stars
It is easy to be negative and focus on our problems, on what we don't have. Complaining comes automatically when we go through tough times. But we have a choice. We can choose to be happy and grateful for what we do have.
Life will always throw curve balls at us. It's how we respond to it that matters. So why not choose happiness and make the most of each day with what we have got?
What do you think?Whine or shine?
Would you choose happiness?Or would you choose to sulk?
Think about it.
Now, repeat after me:
I am in charge of how I feel and today, I am choosing happiness
♥
Wednesday Wisdom is a series with short bursts of easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of stories, quotes, anecdotes, reflections, easy meditation, thought-provoking questions and humor.
