Balancing Happy and unhappy.
We were sitting near a river when he told me, “People focus too much on happiness; no one will ever be perfectly happy all the time because happiness is a moving target. It’s better to focus on things we know are good and seek them out. Then happiness becomes a by-product. Fr. Matthew-Benedictine Monk
This was a conversation between a journalist and a monk who was laboring all morning, and the journalist was shocked by Father Matthew’s happiness. This is a wonderful reminder for us to seek what makes us happy. As well as the idea that most of us are not going to be happy all the time, and that we should be ok with this.
In reading this. I began to think about the actions I take that make me happy and those that don’t make me happy.
I’m a yes person and someone who likes to get involved in my community. Because I moved to a new area, I’ve said yes a lot. I think it’s a great way to meet people. My biggest issue is that I don’t like letting people down after saying yes if I get overwhelmed.
When I’m overwhelmed and stressed, I’m not my favorite person.
I am spending time this week in the beautiful Banff, Canada. I will be working on what I’ve said yes to that makes me happy and what yes makes me frustrated with myself. Knowing that I may not be happy all the time, but seeking that which makes me happy.
“The people who report the most life satisfaction tend to be oriented toward something outside themselves- service, craft, faith, family, community. Happiness arrives as a side effect.”
I’m sorry I don’t remember where this quote came from, but I do agree that finding something outside myself makes me happy. When I am in service to my community or others, I am at my happiest, but I also need to remind myself of why I’m happy saying yes, and when I'm not.
What are the things that make you happy?
What are the things that make you unhappy?
How can you find the balance between the two?
There are no live classes this week as I hang out amidst the mountains - a place that makes my soul happy.
