Happiness really is a choice.

If happiness really is a choice, then why am I not choosing it?  There are times when a heavy cloud hangs over my head and won’t go away!

There is work to be done every day.

People to care for, family and friends with needs and an endless pile of paperwork must be done before week’s end.  I open a window, take in the fresh morning air, gaze at the flower-laden hillside, and hear the birds calling me outside.

Click here for a helpful article to relieve some stress in making family decisions.

Visiting children’s church camps and Vacation Bible Schools this summer has been filled with mixed emotions. Smiles and hugs and laughter from young ones fill my hungry soul. Yet, deep down I grieve because health needs and work obligations keep me from getting to stay and be more involved.

Below is six doable ways to choose happiness in your world.

I don’t like having to work inside all day. I’m angry with myself for not taking better care of my health needs.  I feel resentment raising its ugly head inside me. It seems unfair somehow that I have to be inside while others enjoy the sunshine. I could quite easily become a grumpy old woman. (Actually, sometimes I am!)

Many of you are caregivers 24/7. Some are parents working jobs and coming home to mounds of household chores and responsibilities. Do you ever have those feelings? The feelings themselves are normal; but we do not have to give in to them.

John Ortberg has said: “What repeatedly enters your mind occupies your mind, eventually shapes your mind, and will ultimately express itself in what you do and who you become.”

Wow! Happiness really is a choice.

Here are 6 ways I am choosing happiness over the grumpy old woman!

1. I will recognize my way is not always the best way. Ouch! Today I bit my tongue before I tried to “help” my husband arrange groceries in the trunk the way I would have done it — the best way!

2. I will be thankful I have work to do and the ability to do it. I will thank God for each person I have privilege to care for in some way. I will be thankful for the talent and the equipment to do reports and to write.

3. I will enjoy the view from the window; and be thankful for the beauty and for fresh, clean air to breath. I can share cheerful memories with those in my influence and rejoice.

4. I will be thankful I have eyes to see, ears to hear, people to love on, and people who love me  … that list can go on and on!

5. I will smile a little more and grumble less. That means I will smile when interrupted at my busiest times. I will remember those interruptions are most often God’s appointments. I will rejoice and be glad.

6. I will plan a little better and organize my “has to be done list” to allow for short breaks. I will not complain when I do not accomplish all I feel I should. I will remember I am not Wonder Woman and be happy.

So, for me, for this day, happiness really is a choice and I will make that choice. Will you? We can make it together, one day at a time.

From Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd … He restores my soul.

Hugs,

Let me hear how your day is going. What helps you choose happiness?