Happiness

A recent discussion on a Facebook thread about friends and happiness, got me to thinkin'.
I've had a rough go of it. My life has had so many ups and downs from the beginning, that saying it has been a roller coaster ride doesn't cut it. But, I think maybe that may be why I feel the way I do about things.

I'm happy. Most of the time. There have been many a times I was very unhappy. The thing is, I always found something to be happy about during those times. Maybe it was a subconscious act, a way of getting through the moment. Maybe it was just my stubborn personality refusing to allow it. In any case, and whatever the cause, my worst of times always had a silver lining - somewhere in my head.

Someone said they thought that people who choose to see the good things in life, rather than the bad, were weak and unwilling to face the truth. I think this is utter nonsense. I think it takes great strength to refuse to bow down and fall into misery because things are not so good. It takes a stout heart and clear mind to stand up to some of the things life can throw at us. I don't ignore the unhappy things that pass through my life. If I did, I wouldn't have been able to hone my ability to find the good in it!

I've been told I am lucky to have balance in my life. What an understatement! I am blessed to have balance! I'm not exactly sure how I came to have it, and I am in no way a philosopher or Zen Guru, but I have a few clues:

#1 I live in the moment. When I am happy I revel in it. I take in all the beauty around me (you see a lot more of that when in the right frame of mind). I try to share my happiness with anyone around me.
#2 I am grateful. I appreciate the simple things around me. A yard full of overgrown weeds disappear if a vine of wild morning glorys have made their home there. This doesn't mean I don't want the yard mowed, just that until it is I can experience what beauty it has to offer.
#3 I keep it simple. What I mean by this is not lessening material items or limmiting time or space. I mean I don't over-think things. I let things flow, and take in the info I need to make choices. I set aside my time to think things over, weigh the good against the bad, and usually come to the same conclusion - it will be what it will be, and my attitude will be adjusted so as to benefit from the outcome in a positive manner. I can pretty much get over any hump in an hour or two - the mountains take more time.
#4 I'm patient. I tolerate a lot more than most people. But as long as I don't let any negativity rub off on me (which sometimes happens) I can sit back and watch things pass with no huge desire to speed things along. And in the process I may be able to say or do something to make someone reach a peaceful state or happy frame of mind. Some people think this is a flaw in my character...I can wait for them to change their minds. :)

I think all in all, what everyone needs to do to find happiness in their lives is to concentrate on one major change - their attitude.
There was a poem written by Rocky Dennis, the young man with a horrible skull deformity, whose life was depicted in the movie "Mask". I think of it often when I struggle to see the good in some things or people.

These things are good:
ice cream and cake,
a ride on a harley,
seeing monkeys in the trees,
the rain on my tongue,
and the sun shining on my face.

These things are a drag:
dust in my hair,
holes in my shoes,
no money in my pocket,
and the sun shining on my face.

Be happy. Be grateful. Keep it simple. Have patience.
...and let the sun shine on your face.