May I get philisophical for a moment?I received an email from my good friend Alison last week (who I miss greatly since leaving Utah). We were catching up and she wrote in her email I hope life is as charmed as your blog would lead me to believe it is. And the answer is YES!
I was contemplating this state of happiness for the past few days and initially I felt that the only reason I am this blissfully happy now is because my childhood was so difficult. But I have decided it is more than that. It is not just the absence of sorrow that makes one happy. Because every life has pitfalls and mine will in the future as well. And though I may not experience anything as bad as things I have already survived in the past, there will surely be heartbreaks and sadness in the future. It is the nature of life.
But my current happiness now is such that I have no fear for the future. Because it seems as though it cannot shake the peace I feel. Since that peace is internal. I have thought about this a lot and have come to three factors that can account for this almost dreamlike state and bliss I currently find myself in.
1. My faith. I firmly and whole-heartedly believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins that I may be forgiven and someday live again. And that very fact gives me hope. And fills my heart with the reassurance of God's love and the expectation of eternal life. The amazing Emily Foley has this quote on her blog, which sums up this concept more perfectly than I ever could.
We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith. In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us. - Gordon B. Hinckley
2. My Husband and Children Who could deny that they are the best? They fill every day with wonder. I grew up in a broken family feeling constant fear that family relationships could never last. Now, I have no doubt in my heart that we are together as a family forever. How empowering and joyous!!! I smile right now even as I type.
3. My internal peace. H.H. the Dalai Lama said Happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy.
I was recently attacked and lied to by someone I trusted and loved who, because of their own life insecurities and lack of internal peace, would seek to destroy my happiness. But the thing she didn't account for is that she does not have that ability. I am joyful every single day and wake up looking forward to a new day filled with love, life, my amazing children and new experiences for which I feel constantly grateful. And that cannot be touched by those who would seek to bring others down in order to feel better about their own internal struggles. So even though I shed some tears for the loss of who I thought she was, I am still at peace and happy.
In the past six months, for the first time in my life, I feel in control of my own happiness. This is powerful and I feel its power resting upon me daily. And, I'm not gunna lie, this feels amazing. Who knew this was the secret to life? (Besides the the Dalai Lama, that is.)
So I say, bring it on! Bring on your worst. I can take whatever the world, life or angry people can dish out and I will remain with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. For who can be unhappy who has such blessings in their life?!!
I would love to know...What are your thoughts on happiness? What makes you truly happy?
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