It's time for spring cleaning! When spring arrives I am strangely motivated to begin the tasks of cleaning my closets, organizing my kitchen pantry and clearing old documents from my home office. Ugh sounds boring right? To me, the promise of a new season of re-birth and renewal brings about a mental reward for me. I am motivated to plant flowers and even paint a wall to make things pretty in my world.
As satisfying as the end result of spring cleaning is, I also have pondered how I can clean up emotionally for more happiness, better relationships and inner peace. It all boils down to a choice. Which team are you on? Do you choose happiness or do you choose a life of stress, frustration and anxiety?
As satisfying as the end result of spring cleaning is, I also have pondered how I can clean up emotionally for more happiness, better relationships and inner peace. It all boils down to a choice. Which team are you on? Do you choose happiness or do you choose a life of stress, frustration and anxiety?
Countless books have been written on how happiness is more of a choice than a state of being. Of course in conversation we say "Oh winning the lottery would make me so happy" or "These brand new designer shoes would make me happy" but would it really? I have learned that acquiring "things" to make me happy has only led me on a never ending cycle of needing more "things" to feed that empty hole in my soul. So shoes one day would satisfy the hole but the next day I would crave a handbag or a blouse etc.. I have found that the key to true happiness is drawing a line in the sand and making the conscious choice to think positively, live optimistically and see the silver lining in everything.
As a member of "Team Happiness" I have made these conscious choices:
Gratitude: I give thanks to God for everything. Even on days that are difficult for me I think about others (i.e. the citizens of Haiti) who have it much worse.
Silver Lining: Even in the worst circumstances there is a lesson that can be learned for future personal growth.
Faith: I choose to place my faith in God. Based on biblical scriptures I believe in Romans 8:28 which states that "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose". As difficult as it is to not worry, I have to make the conscious decision to choose faith.
Do for Others: Helping others is such a liberating and satisfying experience. It can be as effortless as donating money or goods or as large and participating in an all day community service project. The act of stepping outside of yourself (and your own problems) to help someone else is so empowering that you feel better.
Smell the Roses: I am an achiever. I can't help it. I set a goal, work toward it and then set another goal. I strive to smell the roses as I am on this journey called life so that I don't miss out on "life" while running toward my next goal. What's the use of having several achievements when you don't have fun experiences and sweet memories that make life worth living.
Have I crossed the finish line? Not even close. There are days when I worry. There are days when I am short on faith. There are even days when I know that I could slip down that slope and end up in a state of depression. As we know, times are hard. The economy is tough. The job market is slim and the bills just keep getting higher. Now is the time to choose to fight or lay down! Choose happiness and get in the race for success!
So....which team are you on?
