Remember the "Love Is..." comics from the 70s? And all of the "Happiness Is..." quotes that were being tossed around? It was a decade of love and happiness. Or at least it was trying to be.
I loved these trends. My father used to call me a Little Pollyanna. Which, of course, forced me to look up what a Pollyanna was.
But in the end both love and happiness are choices. We choose to love and we choose to be happy. I know... it's terribly cliche. But it's true. And these are not easy choices. Love and happiness aren't things that just happen to you. I'm afraid that most of us sit around waiting for them to do just that. But they don't. And then we're sad. And then we're bitter. And so we wind up with hate and despair. And we're sure it's not our fault.
Ugh.
So, if you can't muster up the strength today to choose to be happy or choose to love then at least remember not to take yourself too seriously. It's the first step in the right direction for both.
13 comments:
Thanks for the reminder! Yes, we choose to give love, and choose to find joy. I think I sometimes attach an expectation of happiness to a future event, and when that event doesn't manifest, I can get grouchy. I have to remember to not take things so seriously.
Moi aussi, mon ami ~ moi aussi.
Love is always a choice - it is always choosing and not expecting or owning... It is holding on as well as letting to.
Great post Teri!!
I think I needed this reminder :-) In fact, I'm sure of it.
So true! Even in the darkest of times and through the biggest sh*t storms I somehow mangage to find the humor in it all and keep laughing. I'm sure that's what gets me through it every time.
I agree for the most part, but I also know that some people's temperaments more easily lend themselves to the idea of choice. A few of my students get stuck in "stinkin' thinkin'."
You *do* know that I wrote this post last week about "Happiness Is..." and you're quoted on it. Right? :-)
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you have.......
But I thought they clarified it in the movie Love Story...Love is never having to say your sorry. That doesn't work in most relationships I've ever heard of though...
Not to mention the fact that Love Story was a VERY stupid movie. :)
Yes, I think we all need to be reminded of that love and happiness is a choice. Not only that but we should also make it a study! As you said, those things won't happen as accidents!
Your a dep,deep well of knowledge and fun
I loved this post!! I so agree! thanks for the reminder!!
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