We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married and
have kids. Then we become frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and
we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that
we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are
out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when
our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are
able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.
The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not
now....when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best
to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a
long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten
through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a
debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that
these obstacles were "my life".
This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to get to
happiness. Happiness IS the way. So, treasure every moment that you have
and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special
enough to spend your time...and remember that time waits for no one.
So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids,
until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire,
until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until
Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home
is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until
you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes
on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die,
until you are born again, to decide that there is no better time than
right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
Thought for the day: Work like you don't need money, love like you've
never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go.. Some people become
friends and stay a while...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts
and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow.... a mystery.
Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!
Live and savor every moment....this is not a dress rehearsal! |