The Importance of Being Happy

I know a lot of people are having a hard time finding their “happy” these days. This has been a year of anger and sadness and fear, and it’s worn us all down.

Now that the elections are over (probably) and there is the light of a vaccine at the end of the tunnel, I hope everyone can take a deep breath and let some of that that tension out.

But even before that, it’s important we all realize that while what we’ve been hearing and reading and saying and seeing is all about the things that have caused our anger, sadness, and fear—there are so many things that can and should lift our spirits up. The smile on the faces of children when they talk about Santa or other special holiday events and characters celebrated in your household. The sparkle of ice crystals in the snow when the sun hits just right. An amazing sunset bouncing off big, billowy clouds. Your family members when they say or do something silly that is just so “them” that it reminds you of all the past times it’s happened. Focus on these things. Enjoy these things.

Stay away from the negative posts on Facebook or Twitter. Don’t dedicate your precious time to people or things that don’t make you happy or suck you into their unhappiness. We can’t change what’s happened, the virus isn’t going away soon, and there will always be differences of opinions over politics and wearing masks and if a vaccine is safe. Those things shouldn’t be your focus and you can’t change their mind, and they shouldn’t try to force you to change yours—whatever it may be.

I know it’s hard not being with family during the Holidays. Having to cancel vacation plans. Home schooling (oh, I so feel for you parents these days!). Enduring hours of Zoom meetings. But this too shall pass. Life—the parts that we want and need to enjoy—will pass as well and so quickly it will make your head spin. We can’t let this other STUFF get in the way of being IN those lives before they’ve passed us by. Being involved in our children’s lives as they grow right before your eyes, or letting fear keep us from doing things that are still safe to do, and which can bring you joy.

Order books online from the library. WRITE your books. Find websites that focus on positive stories—believe me, there are far more of them out there than there are the hate-and-fear-mongering ones; they’re just harder to find because apparently they don’t sell newspapers or fund news shows. Take online guitar lessons. Learn to paint (you don’t have to be good, you just have to have fun). Update your living room with some bright colored pillows and rugs or change out your bedding to something really plush and comfy. Set up regular online visits with those of your friends and family with positive outlooks on life—and maybe add in an Ugly Sweater contest, open presents in front of the cameras, share recipes, or…?

This will be my last blog of the year, and I want to leave you with reasons and means to be happier than you have been. So come one—comment to this post with YOUR ideas of how we can all be happier this season. And WRITE ON!