Go on, Go Get Happy :-)

Happiness. Is that not what we all desire in life!? I believe that happiness in life is the highest form of success. Yet, how does one get to this point of happiness and then maintain these feelings throughout life's trials and tribulations. I often ask myself this question? What I have learned throughout my journey of self exploration is that happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you. Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within. Everyone has the ability to create their own definition of happiness. In the great words of the ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, "Happiness depends upon ourselves". 

Your Joy is Your Job. - 

Pastor Steven Furtick

Obviously, some things happen in life we have no control over. When these things have a negative effect on us and it is not what we expected, we need to learn how to adjust and continue with our lives. When we stop worrying and wondering why certain events happen or do not happen in our lives, we can learn to accept the cards we are dealt. I think sometimes what screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be. This is where frustration sets in because we are not experiencing what we are expecting.

Expectation Gap- 
 The gap between what you expect and 
what you experience - 
Pastor Steven Furtick

When I first started dating my boyfriend, he said something very simple yet had a profound meaning tied to it. “If someone is not happy with their life, they are the only ones who have the power to choose to change it. Whether it be their career, relationship status, location, etc.” This is so true. If you are not truly happy and are not taking steps to change this, what is the quality of life you expect to have?

A few years ago, I read an article that stated the five simple rules to happiness. Ever since then, I have tried to apply these to my life. Don’t get me wrong, I have moments and days where I struggle with certain situations in my life, but I use the power of self talk and prayers to get me back to my place of gratitude and happiness.

  

Five simple rules to be happy
 Free your heart from hated.
Free your mind from worries
 Live simply.
Give more.
 Expect less.

     No one can go back and make a brand new start. However, anyone can start right now and make a brand new beginning in their lives. God didn't promise days without pain but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has something better planned for you. When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means ....There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to handle moments of hardships and adversity. We all need to learn to trust in the journey even when we don’t understand it. 

I Choose

I Choose. A simple statement yet so powerful. As I was cooling down tonight during my workout, India Arie's song " I Choose" came across my playlist. Everyone who loves music realizes the power of lyrics and how a song is able to empower and give you strength. This song right here does that to me every time I hear it. 

"Because you never know where life is going to take you and you can't change where you've been. But today I have the opportunity to choose." 

Those beginning lyrics to the song have always stuck with me since I heard it the first time.  WE have the power to choose the life WE want. Life is a beautiful journey of exploration and self discovery. I truly believe that life is the best teacher as we learn from every experience, good or bad. Every day when we wake up, we have a chance to make new choices and learn from our experiences. 

This past September, I was extremely fortunate to attend The Oprah's Life You Want Weekend with my mother and sisters. It might sound cliche to say it was life changing, but in this situation, it truly was a life changing experience. As soon as I read the welcome letter from Oprah in our workbook (the teacher in me was thrilled to receive a workbook filled with quotes, affirmations, and activities to complete!) I was instantly intrigued and filled with excitement. 

"Every moment you have the choice to open up… to listen to the whispers and live the way your life is nudging you to live.. to walk boldly on your own life path." - Oprah

How profound and true is that statement!!! WE have the power to choose and create the best life WE want. The way to joy and success is to honor our spirit and soul. It is never too late to write a new story or crank up the volume in your life. By being willing and open yet most importantly obedient to God and His calling for you, nothing is impossible.