Contrary to how it may sometimes seem, our circumstances do not determine our happiness. We alone control our ability to be happy or unhappy, through our reactions to and attitudes toward our circumstances. Those who are truly happy are not corks at the mercy of the waves of circumstances; they are the captains of their own ships.
If we are in unhappy situations, we can strive to find ways to release ourselves from them. Or, if the present situations can't be changed, we can learn to accept them and be happy anyway. If we want certain things that we know will fulfill us, such as a loving partner or good health or a creative job or career, we can work toward them, making and visualizing goals and exploring the steps we need to take to make them a reality. But even as we are in the process of reaching those goals, we can be happy, by choosing to respond to life with humor instead of worry, curiosity instead of hesitation, love instead of fear, hopefulness instead of despair.
If you want to achieve happiness, all you have to do is be willing to live in the now and be awake to new experiences; see events as interesting and instructive instead of good or bad; accept people as they are, with no expectations; give up suffering and worrying; and be generous with your love.
Happiness is not just within my reach; it is already in my grasp.
Last updated on 12/24/06 2:45 AM
