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happiness really is a choice

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.

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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?

As we focus on those we care for; we can lose our own identity.

It is easy to lose yourself in caring for others, whether it’s our family, little children, or someone whose health needs demand our attention. We care with our whole hearts; our whole being. This is a big part of who we are and we do not want that to change.

However, as needs of the moment multiply, and they will, we can become absorbed in the task of simply getting through another day. Our world becomes smaller and smaller and we stifle our personal feelings, emotions, needs and desires.

Has this happened to you? Do you feel you cannot stop and take time for yourself? Perhaps not so with you. You may be enjoying every day without any thought of self desires. This is good; however, consider how much of what you do, listen to, or talk about is based on the other person’s likes or needs.

Are you prepared to be alone or at least without the one in your care?

The day will come when your situation will change; the need will be different. You may find yourself alone or at least not personally involved with the same people.

For instance, spouses caring for loved ones who are terminally ill will spend all their waking hours wrapped up in the desires and the immediate needs of that person. This can go on for days, week, months, or years. When death does come, the surviving spouse is left alone and seemingly without purpose for a time.

What will happen when your children leave home?

For mothers of young children, the same is true. As a wife and as a parent, we tend to shop with others in mind. We plan our foods according to their likes; we watch what they watch on television, we choose to go where they want to go. Then the children grow up and move on (sometimes) and we get to make our own choices and wonder what we even prefer.

A challenge for you; will you accept it?

Today I want to challenge you whatever your circumstance to consider one thing, just one thing that you would do if you had the choice. Where would you like to go? What project would you like to work on at home? What food would you choose to eat?

Let’s start with food. The next time you are at the store, take a few minutes to stroll down the aisles and consider what you would choose if shopping just for yourself. The first time I was in a store buying for myself, I realized I had several items in my cart that I really didn’t even like; I was buying out of habit. I had shopped so long with others in mind; I wasn’t sure which cereal I preferred. I always ate what others wanted.

You will benefit from the following and so will those in your care!

Grab a notebook and begin writing down some things about yourself that you may not have thought about in a while. What hobbies do you like that you have not had time to pursue? What trips would you like to take? Consider a trip to the library for some books on those subjects; just a few minutes each day would renew your passions and give you a mental and physical rest from the daily routine.

As you enjoy the blessings of those God has entrusted to your care, don’t lose sight of the wonderful, caring individual He created you to be. This week, treat yourself to your personal favorite flavor of ice cream! Life is good! Enjoy!

Hugs,

Click here for more valuable insights http://www.susiekinslowadams.com/2014/03/01/turning-stress-to-blessing/ and have a great week.