JUST BEING HAPPY
It is beautiful when, on certain
mornings, you wake up smiling for no apparent reason, simply for the
joy of another day. Today was like that for me. The last few days have
brought storms to the region. But today was a glorious spring morning
from the moment the sun peaked over the horizon. As the first birds of
the day broke the silence of the night, I woke with clarity and
lightness. So I rose earlier than usual, with energy and enthusiasm to
match.
Even for the most positive of adults, it doesn't happen terribly regularly to wake with a natural excitement for whatever the day will bring. I'm not speaking of excitement that arises out of trained positive thinking. Rather, this is something that happens naturally, something very present and trusting. It is the feeling most young children wake up with every day.
It is joyful anticipation - trust that life will bring us what we need today and as a result, there is nothing to stop us from staying in a state of presence, gratitude, and happiness. This joyful anticipation comes unhindered by thoughts of things that must be done, of pressure, or of any habits of adult thinking.
On a day like this, it's easy to see how complicated we can all make our lives at other times. It feels so natural to think simply and presently. Yet as adults, we constantly strive and set unnecessary pressure on ourselves and on others. So much time can be spent on 'working things out', when our job really, is to stay present, be happy, and reacquaint ourselves with trust and faith - things that were once a natural part of us.
Today I have felt nothing but gratitude for being alive, for seeing the sun shine again after recent storms, both physically and metaphorically. It is beautiful to be reminded yet again that after cloudy times, the sunshine will always return.
Fitting to the glorious start to the day, the late afternoon light now throws incredible beauty on the surrounding countryside, through the trees. In the distance, there are storms clouds. But they go around, adding contrast but no disruption, just like so many anticipated 'but-what-if' scenarios that never come around - thoughts and concerns that can tempt and steal unnecessary energy and focus.
Today it is only sunshine and goodness. It is the joy of smiling for no apparent reason, and yet for thousands of reasons. I breathe. I walk. I hear the birds sing. I am loved. I love. I am healthy. I have fresh food. I am present. I am excited. I am trusting.
I am grateful.
Even for the most positive of adults, it doesn't happen terribly regularly to wake with a natural excitement for whatever the day will bring. I'm not speaking of excitement that arises out of trained positive thinking. Rather, this is something that happens naturally, something very present and trusting. It is the feeling most young children wake up with every day.
It is joyful anticipation - trust that life will bring us what we need today and as a result, there is nothing to stop us from staying in a state of presence, gratitude, and happiness. This joyful anticipation comes unhindered by thoughts of things that must be done, of pressure, or of any habits of adult thinking.
On a day like this, it's easy to see how complicated we can all make our lives at other times. It feels so natural to think simply and presently. Yet as adults, we constantly strive and set unnecessary pressure on ourselves and on others. So much time can be spent on 'working things out', when our job really, is to stay present, be happy, and reacquaint ourselves with trust and faith - things that were once a natural part of us.
Today I have felt nothing but gratitude for being alive, for seeing the sun shine again after recent storms, both physically and metaphorically. It is beautiful to be reminded yet again that after cloudy times, the sunshine will always return.
Fitting to the glorious start to the day, the late afternoon light now throws incredible beauty on the surrounding countryside, through the trees. In the distance, there are storms clouds. But they go around, adding contrast but no disruption, just like so many anticipated 'but-what-if' scenarios that never come around - thoughts and concerns that can tempt and steal unnecessary energy and focus.
Today it is only sunshine and goodness. It is the joy of smiling for no apparent reason, and yet for thousands of reasons. I breathe. I walk. I hear the birds sing. I am loved. I love. I am healthy. I have fresh food. I am present. I am excited. I am trusting.
I am grateful.
