Well – here we are. One entire year later. The 365th day of my yearlong search for happiness in my life. Bit by bit.
So let’s remember. Why did I start this? A year ago — I lost my job. It came just two months before my 50th birthday and as a complete surprise. I felt very capable at work. I was a BIG contributor. I was Making A Difference.
But. It happened anyway. And it ripped the rug out from under me. I felt without gravity, spinning and floating out of my earthly understanding…..and I needed grounding. I needed…..Happiness.
Did I find it? YES. Where did I find it? Everywhere…and nowhere. I learned….to manufacture it, ….simply by letting go.
“Letting go? What the heck does that mean??”
Well, I’ll tell you. I learned through the sudden shock of losing my job — just how tight-fisted I was. I held on tight to my identity at work. I held on tight to the security and stability that it gave me. It was as if my job nailed me to the planet. I was here and ok because of it.
What a bunch of malarkey!
Once I learned how to let go….just let my reality be.…just be….I learned that my job didn’t make me who I am. My home didn’t define my family. Where I lived wasn’t where my love and warmth was. It was all inside. inside me, inside Peter, inside our daughters, inside all the friends who picked up my spirits when I was feeling down about myself.
The house was sticks and bricks. The job was projects and paperwork. The happiness was in the connections. All the little bitty links between me and all of you. Every one of you…..gave me happiness this year. And every kind word, every like, every smile and hug….allowed me to let my situation be and gave me time to learn how to see myself and my life. To SEE IT. And in that peaceful present place — I learned how to be okay. The Happiness Machine was turned ON.
Things in our lives WILL come and go. LMAO, of course the coming feels BETTER than the going (most times). But the going…is just as important. It’s in the going where the clean slate comes. The new beginning. Like the ocean pulling out the old sand castles you slaved for hours to build, taking it right out to sea…..only to bring in a beautiful seashell with the next wave and lay it at your feet.
Let life come and go. Greet the moments with compassion….and patence. Don’t let the going strip you of your identity. Let it bathe you with the promise of what comes next.
Because…..something ALWAYS comes next.
Like tomorrow? What comes after 365 Days of Happiness??? I. Don’t. Have. The. Faintest. Idea. But I know it’s going to be wonderful and happy. <3
I send all my love to you from Baltimore….more happiness lies ahead. Keep watching for it, everyday in your lives. #ChooseHappiness365 (365/365)
Ciao for now….Diane