Happiness

[MASS]

I've found that what many people struggle with is the misconception that happiness is something that is" found" . I believe that one must choose to make happiness happen within themselves.
For many, one of the greatest obstacles in attaining happiness is the inability to let go of mind-boggling details and perceptions, or the constant stress and worry about the future and what will be and what must be done to achieve a so called happiness or sense of order in their lives. This to me, seems like too much work, for such a short time in this vessel.
Happiness can be self-created within each of us, by the joy you feel when a child smiles at you, laughter from another, a good deed to help your fellow being ( man or animal), watching nature at its finest( like a sunset or the fog lift on a crisp morning as you listen to birds as they sing their songs of bliss ), just a few examples that come to mind.
Others may argue, that you can't pay the power bill with a smile, feed your family with a big ball of love or shelter your loved ones with a hilarious joke. "Well"... They are correct in that. But you also cannot enjoy all of these materialistic necessities without happiness and compliance of where you are or who you want to be. You might say that " That attitude is way too laid back for me".... But, you have to agree that you can still have the same problems with or without a smile on your face.
Living in the past can be a damaging habit against happiness because one has a tendency to focus on the negative entities of their experiences and carry those experiences into the present. One’s mind is easily plagued by perceptions and judgments about a negative experience that may change their reality for the worst. There is a fine line between perception and reality and often, as time goes by, one’s perception of a particular experience clouds the actual experience itself. One of the easiest ways to combat unhappiness is to embrace the past as "helpful" experiences and to let go of any negative perceptions and energy that you may be harboring. (It's been my experience that a negativity journal is always helpful).
It is important to reflect on the past, to grow and learn from it, but you must keep a positive and healthy outlook that "all" is not the same. (poodles may look the same, but each is it's own dog).
Are you destroying the things you love about yourself and others without realizing it? Can you say that you are happy ?

I just wanted to share my thoughts as this economy is destroying our peace and family structures and remind everyone that the goddess is with us and there is still plenty of things in our lives to be happy about if we just stop and look around....Peace to all and Blessed Be my friends ....MASS

[Ms.Magi]

Happiness, certainly comes from within..... it must be nurtured and cared for as though a small child, needing attention, at the same time Happiness must be honored as a *Wise One* for without Happiness there is NO true appreciation of Life and All that is offered. I'm glad to see you posting again, dear MASS, you have been missed.