Happiness is an Inside Job
I’ve heard this quote many times over the years but it popped up again when I was mulling over the wonderful weekend of my grandson’s wedding in Ohio a couple of weeks ago. As family and friends gathered to celebrate the union of this beautiful young couple I noticed how much I wanted to remind them to hang on to their individuality even as they join their lives.
So often we (I certainly did) try to find our happiness in someone else and when it doesn’t happen we’re disappointed and discouraged. I see this occurring all around me–whether in marriage or in parent-child relationships or in friendships. Many of us depend too much on others to fill in the gaps within ourselves–even when we know better.
So this week I’m reminding myself that happiness really is an inside job, that I have control over my emotions and my actions. When I feel blue or lonely or on the fringe, I can change that by calling a friend, picking up a great book, or taking a lovely walk in the sunshine and reminding myself that I have the power to be happy regardless of what is going on around me.
Good advice.
Nice to hear from you, Janet.
Yes, this is true, but I find that focusing my thoughts on the greatness of God’s love is best way to change my own attitude toward life around me.
Everything in life changes with time but God’s love is the one constant, He never changes.
Yes, God is the real source of our happiness and his love never changes. How comforting that is.
So true. Thanks for the reminder, Karen.
Thanks for your comment, Pam.
Excellent reminder, Karen. Thank you!
Thank you, Carol. I hope your anniversary trip is wonderful.
In all my years as a Christian, I hadn’t ever heard that saying. How true, look to Jesus within us He is there. I like it! Thanks for reminder!
You’re welcome, Joan. Thanks for dropping by.
Great advise! I’m forwarding this over to my Elizabeth who will be getting married this May. Can you believe it?!! It is wonderful to receive these emails and to know how well you are doing! Hugs!
Thanks, Patti. Great to hear from you and about Elizabeth’s wedding.
Well said, Karen. Thank you.
I find the best way for me to get over a lonely feeling, or just a plain old ‘not happy with myself’ is to do something for someone else. Works for me everytime! A little talk with God works too ~~that is IF I let it. Amazing that we can receive HIS help but only if we are willing to accept it.
Love and blessings to you and yours! Margaret
Good to hear from you, Margaret, and thank you for your suggestions of how to let go of the blues. I agree.
Karen,
I’m reminded of this very thing recently. As I write, I’ve learned that story is always character driven, which basically means that the story itself is always internally driven. We go for the heart every time. It is the internal story that activates the external plot. I am writing a fiction project just for fun and its a completely different ballgame than the nonfiction I am used to authoring. I’m having a great time doing so. GBY Karen and happy writing. I still read your blog. I apologize for not commenting much lately.
Jim W
Thanks for reading my blog and for posting, Jim, whenever you feel like it. I’m excited to hear that you are writing fiction. What a wonderful new adventure. Enjoy the journey.