Happiness is an Inside Job…
“Happiness is an inside job. Don’t assign anyone else that much power over your life.” ~Mandy Hale
My boys started a new camp this week. The camp offered 3 different programs The two that my boys attended and the third was Fashion Design and Jewelry Making. This program was geared towards little ones. The camp was made up of 5-10 girls all around the ages of 8-10 years old.
We are experiencing a heat wave here, so today at pickup, I got out of my car and walked into the cool air-conditioned building. As I walked in, it was super quiet. You could hear a pin drop. The other parents, who arrived before me, waiting, had their heads down in their phones (I’ve been guilty of this too), no one talking to each other. The little girls from the Fashion Design and Jewelry Making camp came running across the courtyard and into the building, little balls of happy energy and excitement. They were so joyful, eager to share with their adults the creations that they had made at camp today. They had jewelry and each wore a camp shirt that had been uniquely cut, beaded, and bedazzled! These little balls of happy energy filled the room that was only moments ago quiet and sterile. It was hard not to smile at their delight and innocence.
On the car ride home, I mentioned my observation to my boys. One of them snickered and said “really, mom?!” Did you SEE what they made; it was awful! This prompted me to ask them, and myself, where in life do we lose that joy? Where and how between the ages of 8-10 and 12-14+ do we as human beings become soured, resentful, and pessimistic? Yes, they are teenage boys, but as adults we can be guilty of the same negative thoughts. As I was driving, I shook my head. I thought about this further, somewhere between the teen years and the age of 40+ we realize we’ve lost that type of joy and we want it back! Yes, I totally feel that way and I’m certain I’m not alone. Reader, are you with me?!
I don’t know about you, but I want that type of joy! The kind where you are a happy ball of energy. The kind of joy that fills a room and becomes contagious. The kind of joy that changes your perspective on life and the world around you.
When I look at the last decade + of my life, life happens. Stress happens. We finish school, we need to get started on that career, for me that was corporate America. I needed to develop myself, to work hard, I always had my foot on the gas pedal at full speed. I wanted to be recognized at work, I was all in. At the same time, I found love, so then we got married and started a family. Oh wait, don’t forget we needed a place to live, so enter the mortgage and the vehicle to fit the family and all our stuff. So, we worked harder to pay for all of it. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change any of it! I LOVE my life, but the journey has been stressful, and I didn’t even recognize it. It didn’t happen overnight; it was a slow build year over year.
Several weeks ago, when I started working with my professional coach, I had 3 goals. My goals were to destress, increase my energy and develop my career.
I’m happy to say that I’m hitting all 3 of these goals and I’m amazed at the progress! I’m starting to find that kind of joy again. I’m less stressed. I have more energy. How did I do it? What’s my secret you might be wondering? My job hasn’t changed, in fact it’s more demanding. My kids haven’t changed, in fact it’s summer, so they’ve been home more, and home life is more demanding. The bills haven’t reduced, in fact the cost of everything is increasing (forget about the grocery bill with 2 teenage boys). I’d like to say that I’m exercising more or practicing yoga and breathing exercises, but the truth is, I’m not. What has changed is my mindset, and how I see things. How I approach things. How I show up. I’m focusing more on the things that I value, the things that matter to me. This change in mindset, just writing that, brings a smile to face and a little tear to my eye and I know that the emotions I feel are complete joy.
I absolutely love my life and the little pieces of joy I find in each day.
How do you see things? How do you approach things? How do you show up? I would love to hear how you find joy in the little pieces of your life? Leave a comment below, connect with me on Facebook or send me a direct message. I love hearing from you, your comments and messages bring me joy. Keep the positive comments coming!
