For practically a year, just a few weeks shy, we’ve read all semblances of happiness interpretation in this series. My heart is brimming with thank yous to each of you for your contribution; do you know what an accomplishment it’s been to bring in single authors once weekly to share a personal happiness story? It’s huge, especially in this era of blogging when folks have little time and engagement is minimal.
There were personal stories so revealing and shocking to some; there were stories about loved ones gone with happy memories that remain; there were other stories about family and friendships, and hobbies that brought smiles.
Based on all these wonderful stories, is happiness elusive? The 40 or so authors who have graced these pages in the last year, have had many obstacles facing them; yet, they found happiness.
I’m going to try and add another perspective to happiness with this story:
Are You Happy?
Used to be when someone asked me, “Jayme, are you happy?” I’d scoff and say, happiness is relative, it’s elusive and fleeting. I didn’t have an answer; I had a poor taste because I didn’t know HOW to answer.
As I challenged people to write for this series, some jumped at the chance; others struggled for just the right topic. I was in the latter category knowing I really didn’t have anything to write until this post right here.
What that experience, earning my white belt in taekwondo, taught me was the opportunity to truly feel a variety of emotions that burgled up into pure happiness. Although another mom attempted to publicly minimize my accomplishment, it didn’t matter; I knew how much I had struggled to achieve and stuck with the challenge in spite of my limitations. I got out of my adult comfort zone and pushed the barrier envelope. How often do you do that? When I arrived home that evening, I immediately sat down to write knowing I had to capture my feelings.
Today, as drama in life continues to unfold, I hold that experience in highest regard. It may sound funny, but do you know how you survive turmoil? Do you know how you remove obstacles from the path often littered with negativity and people who attempt to belittle?
You focus and recall the happiest moment you can, when you were on top. When you face the obstruction, squeeze your hand and let all the empowerment from that happy place and time rush back to overwhelm the negativity and fuel you your own powerful strength. When you take charge of that moment using these tools, you will continue to grow from within to the next level. Your happy feelings will consume the negativity, and the people facing you will be disarmed. It works, I know this from doing it; and, I will continue to practice it the rest of my life.
I thank Sharon Gilmour-Glover of Jump-Point for that tip; she is one helluva woman with incredible teachings from her 13 years as a management consultant and change agent.
I do believe happiness comes in levels. When my 12-year-old squeals like only little girls can do, I giggle inside and register that sound as happiness and excitement. When I earn a new client, I’m happy the fruits of my labor worked. When I belly laugh with genuine sincerity, it washes through me from the tips of my toes to the ends of my curls.
Today, right now, if someone were to ask, “Jayme, are you happy?”
I would say, “No, I am at peace.”
YES!
Jayme, That is exactly it!! When life gets rough, as it most assuredly does at times, the stored happiness, accomplishments, sweet and perfect moments are there, for us to take strength and peace from.
You know… before you started your Happy Friday Series, I hadn’t thought of “Am I happy?” …Honestly, even while and after writing for this series, my own focus was on how I could truly help someone else find their happy… not me. Being happy ~ simply wasn’t a concern of my own. Please, allow me to explain that ~ It wasn’t that I didn’t think I COULD be, or DESERVED to be… it just wasn’t on my mental list of what was important…. Like, convincing my Alaska Chick-let that learning to read would be the MOST wonderful thing in the world forever for her, helping Boss to bring Pioneer to the world and give what I could back to what had given me so very much for so long, to keep my promise to never quit and to learn what and all I could to make “this” work, and oh, so much more…
The Happy Friday series slowly brought my own happiness into focus.. and for that and so unbelievably much more… thank you. Thank you, for not giving in, for not giving up… for always being right there, and here, with a word, a smile (and goodness, I do love your smile!), a kick in the butt, a direction and all you are.. to me and to others. Thank you.
AlaskaChickBlogI am so thrilled this series made a difference to you, AL. Do you hate that? Should I just type longer and call you Amber-Lee?
This series became an opportunity for people to reveal, to share, to receive nurturing, and to just laugh a bit. Writing is so therapeutic; I think with a commitment to see something through, you become a winner every day, you know?
I’m a starter; I’m so freaking proud of myself that I saw this thing through. I only have about three weeks left to make my full year; I never missed a Friday. See? I can finish.
You are the one who gives gifts, did you know that? It’s wonderful to watch you grow and to see how each new morself of information makes your light bulb brighter. Have a truly lovely time up and over there, wouldja? XO…love.
Jayme,thanks so much for your kind words in this post. I’m so glad we’ve gotten to know each other over this past year and I look forward to 2014!!!!
You’re right I think; happiness can be elusive, it can be situational. But joy, peace, knowing we’re rooted in all of those times we experienced our life from the very core of who we are, that’s what endures.
I’m off to go and decorate my Christmas tree, drink some nog and get ready to begin Christmas celebrations!!!!
You can be sure I’ll be anchoring lots of joyous moments over the next few weeks!
Sharon
Soulati | Hybrid PR ~ And hey! If you want to add another moniker to my more illustrious ones, feel free! LOL, but then you can’t NAG when I have more than one!
That Sharon gal gets around… Nothing but a solid business mind and heart as big as her country. Thanks so much, Sharon!
Life is about learning, improving, growing, and becoming – – – Aware of the awesome life, unique gifts and super power talents we’ve all been given to make a difference… In whatever we are moved to make a difference in.
Big love for you, Jayme – and our whole team/ family – it’s going to be life changing, challenging, and it’s going to stretch you (us) so much so, that you’ll have nothing but space to fill with happiness and fulfilment.
I don’t know, but just writing and envisioning that makes me very happy!
Cheers to you and the work you do – it’s inspires me! : )
Mark