The Voice Of Philadelphia: For Your Inspiration: I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Let me start by saying...anyone other than yourself, that claims they have to keys to your happiness is either lying or doesn't know much.

One reason I have avoided writing an inspirational column and don't motivational speaking is because people are different.

The Broken Clock Theory...

Say No To Cookie Cutter Theory

Even a clock that we find in the junk yard and had not run at all in years...keeps correct time twice a day.

I say that because I believe even the best motivational speakers...cannot motivate everyone. For example...money is not the biggest motivating factor in my life...there are many people that can be blessed from what I write. However, if your goal in life IS to have a PLATINUM HOME AND CAR? I may not be the speaker you are looking for...and there's nothing wrong with that. We are two people motivated by different goals.

So define what your goals are, what your roads to happiness looks like, and don't fall for people that have cookie cutter manuals to your happiness.

Let's Talk Depression

Let's look at depression a little bit before we get into this "choosing to be happy" thing.

Every suffers from depression at some point in their lives. Not reaching goals.Having something or someone you care about snatched away from you. Or having something happen that embarrasses you. Can cause even the most ardent "inspirational writer" to want to stay in bed and play sad songs. Depression can be natural.
Prolonged periods of depression can be dangerous. If you or close family and friends notice that it is taking a longer time than normal to get back to yourself? You want to consider getting some kind of help. Help may mean a minister, a vacation, or sometimes a doctor. Again stay away from the cookie cutter syndrome, don't feed into other people's judgement of your condition but do get help. Nothing I write here is a substitute for medical care when needed.

____________________

5 Things That Make Me Happy

Admittedly, I consider myself a generally happy person. When I am not feeling particularly "sunny and bright" I pick 5 things that really bring me joy. You may know this technique as "Counting your blessings."

Everyone must figure out their five things and why they bring them joy.

Here are mine.

My family. Especially my niece. Even as I still grieve the loss of my father. I celebrate the special life my niece is in my world.
Playing Basket Ball. We all cannot be NBA MVP's. However, I recognize that I am blessed to be able to run and jump. There are a lot of people that would pay a lot of money just to be able to walk and run and get around with out assistance for an hour or two. I celebrate the fact that I can do all these marvelous things with this body.
Music...I do not have the words to tell you how I feel when I hear Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Marsha Ambrosious, Aretha Franklin and so many other wonderful sounds that have defined my life.
I CREATE...I celebrate the talent that I have for writing stories, poetry and visual art. There is no logical reason to create art other than it fulfills so much of my non physical person. However, knowing that my art has brought other people happiness is delightful.
I enjoy whatever happy experience I can bring to pass. It may be hopping a bus to Philly or walking on the boardwalk or calling a good friend or eating something that makes my tongue dance. This works whenever I really need a distraction.

______________

I could write more but I may have written more than you are willing to read already.

So in closing let me leave you with just a few more tips that can help in choosing to be happy.

Define YOUR Own Happiness and do not be disappointed that what makes YOU happy is not the same thing that makes your friends or family happy.
Don't Fight Happiness. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY TODAY! Do not deny your right to be happy because of mistakes you made, other people's sadness or their judgement, your lack of finances, or the way you look. Despite, any negative things or things you believe are negative you still have the right to enjoy the moment you are in.
Accomplish Something. Pick a goal and do it. Paint a fence, help someone, bake a cake, take up a second language. Do something that will help you say..."I am WOW."
Be around happy people...unless happy people make you sad. Most people have a hard time NOT having a good time when others around them are having fun.
Take a Break From What Brings You Down. If possible do not wallow in a situation that is damaging your spirit. Go somewhere and get some fresher air.