Toddlers and Happiness

Iâ??ve been writing about my experiences as not just a father, but a work at home father, on this blog now for some time. Without question I have had my ups and downs with it, my good days, and days I wish I could do over.

I came across this blog post on Tiny Buddha and, as usual, it got me thinking. Itâ??s an article that serves as a good reminder about life in general. People often say that time goes by so fast when youâ??re raising kids and I completely agreeâ?¦but itâ??s not just that, LIFE goes by too fast whether you have kids or not. Everything seems to be flying by at the speed of lightâ?¦especially the older you getâ?¦which sucks by the way.

So, what is happiness? How do we become happier more of the time? I strongly believe that happiness is a choice. Nothing out there can make us unhappy unless we allow it. And yes, itâ??s quite alright that we allow some things to make us unhappyâ?¦like the death of a loved one and so on. But if you are unhappy because of your boss, because you donâ??t have enough money, because you donâ??t have the job of your dreams, or because of your spouse; change it.

Thatâ??s the choice.

If your boss is making you unhappy you have two choices, 1) choose to not let him or her make you unhappy or 2) leave your job. Pretty basic idea, right? I know some people will say I am over simplifying it but have you thought that maybe you are over complicating it? Iâ??m guilty Cialis Online of all the unhappy things. I have allowed too many other people and too many outside circumstances to make me unhappy. Notice how I said â??I have allowedâ?? Until we take ownership of this nothing will ever change.

I still have immensely crappy days. Typically because I fall into some depression or anxiety grabs me by the throat and thatâ??s okay. Iâ??m still learning and trying to find out what works for me. Going back to the article I shared above, for me Sammy has been a huge help in rediscovering the little things. Discovering a new bug is more fun and more important than money. Yes, I know I need money and it always comes in because I work hard BUTâ?¦that bug sure as hell is more important than money.

So is listening to the wind chime and learning how to do new animal sounds and navigating the playground equipment in the downtown park. That is life. That has been life since the first humans were hereâ?¦not money, not brand name clothes, the fancy car, or the big house.

We each need to find the reminders in our own lives that work to bring us back to center. Back to that place where we really can find enjoyment in walking barefoot in the grass, listening to the birds, or watching the clouds float by overhead. If we donâ??t, all weâ??re doing is teaching the next generation of kids that happiness is in your bank accountâ?¦and I just canâ??t do that to Sammy.

Find your beach. Find your happiness. Whatever it is and whatever it takesâ?¦itâ??s worth a shot.