My grandmother was a wise and wonderful woman. She was probably the closest person I have ever known to being an angel on earth. Her life was not an easy one, but she made the best of everything and I never saw her unhappy. She lived to the ripe old age of 92.
What do happy people do that is different?
Happy people take risks. They take that leap of faith I talked about here.
I can see those wheels turning. Wouldn't taking risks stress you out more?
Well no, not really, because without taking risks we never move forward. We never try the things that we really want to do. We never really allow ourselves to just be who we really are.
I plan to practice happiness every day, because I am on the road to a simpler life, and I know that there is nothing that simplifies life more than being happy.
Wonderfully said :) I was never ever a risk taker until last year When I took the huge risk of gastric bypass surgery.What a wonderful outcome My huge risk had.Feeling young all over again.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Denise. I am so happy it has worked out so well for you. That is how I feel about my two new knees.
DeleteI once overheard a woman say to a teen, 'Life is what you make of it, Buster!' and that has stuck with me for years. Happiness is a choice. Everyone has lousy circumstances now and then, but we can learn to rise above them and choose to be happy in spite of them. I know some people who are waiting for other people or things to make them happy. They're going to be wasting their lives, waiting for happiness to come from the outside.
ReplyDeleteHappiness comes from within.
DeleteGreat inspiration, Laura. Have a very happy week.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie.
DeleteHappiness comes from with in ourselves. When some thing happens to us, we have two choices. Accept it or change it. xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteIt is so true - that leap of faith can make all the difference, instead of being stuck :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes we just have to leap a little further than we thought we could :)
DeleteHappiness is definitely important for overall well being. I love the advice your grandmother gave you about worrying. It's very true!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was an amazing person. She taught me some great life lessons along with how to iron wash cloths.
DeleteI've never thought of the risk taking as being part of a happy person but it makes since. I consider myself a happy person and I think it's because I stay interested in everything around me....creating and looking for something new every day. Love your photos my friend. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteYou are such a wonderful person, Diane. It shows in everything you do.
DeleteI am a positive and happy person by nature, but I know as I age I have made the choice to be happy and not let everything bring me down. Sometimes it's harder then others but I choose to be happy! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI think as we age, Linda we begin to realize more how important each moment is and that it is better to be happy.
DeleteLove the autumn trees! I made a huge leap of faith years ago and have never been happier!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that, Barb.
DeleteIt's true, and sometimes it's hard to rise to happiness above the worries, but it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteHey Laura, can you add a link to your blog in your G+ profile, I really have to click around it to find your blog when I am returning a comment to you.
I would love it if you could, please?
Jen
Hmmm. When I look at my profile I see a link to my blog. I'm wondering if there is somewhere else I need to put it. I'll email you. :)
DeleteGreat advice, and beautiful photos. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara.
DeleteIt is a great post, Laura.
ReplyDeleteI know that the Lord has plans in mind for my life.
But I have to be active in finding that plan and sometimes it
does take a lot of Faith and risk.
It does, but there is nothing worse than remaining stagnant and not stretching out to all of the possibilities.
DeleteI think this is so true! Thinking about what makes me happiest, it's when I'm doing a new thing, taking a risk that is kind of scary but exciting at the same time. So insightful of you!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting as how we see taking a risk as being stressful, but don't see the possibilities for wonderful outcomes.
DeleteI agree with this totally!! Stress and worry can slowly kill your body and soul. Beautiful pictures too!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Thanks, Cynthia.
DeleteBeautiful post and images, Laura. Not everything in life makes us happy. People die. Trials come. But to paraphrase the late Beverly Sills, an opera singer who gave birth to a deaf child, no matter our circumstances, we can choose to be cheerful. That makes our world a happier place, whenever we practice cheerfulness. Not to mention the world of those around us. Isn't it wonderful to have had such positive influences in life, such as your grandmother?
ReplyDeleteI was very lucky. She was a simple but simply amazing woman.
DeleteOn another note, I noticed you have my blog in your Blog List sidebar (thank you!), but it is not current. I have a new URL/address and it is now working, after a few kinks along the way. You will, however, have to go into your gadget and update it with my new blog address. (Yeah, it's been a pain.) http://dayleallenshockley.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dayle. It's been updated.
DeleteIt’s a choice to be happy, Laura . . . not pretend to be happy; but to experience pure joy if even momentarily. Just feeling grateful for all that you see, hear and feel can bring on happiness. Stay in the moment, focus and choose . . . great topic.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I definitely choose happiness.
DeleteBeautiful photos and beautiful words. I think that apart from taking risks happy people do one more thing: they practice gratefulness. I think it is a long road to happiness but I am grateful that with age I get closer to it. I am sure that you are one very happy simplifier!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sonya. I start each day with gratitude.
DeleteYou have make beautiful Autumn photos!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, RW & SK
A beautiful and very WISE post ! :)
ReplyDeleteI so agree...happiness is definitely a choice!
ReplyDeleteHappiness is the best sport ever! Keep practising!
ReplyDelete