Marcus Aurelius said, “Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” This is why we should choose to be happy!
Thinking of this makes me smile… I choose to let the simple pleasures of life guide me and fill my heart. When dining at a restaurant, I enjoy a sincere, warm greeting by the host/hostess, a nice table, an appropriately cold or hot, healthy, delicious meal, and efficient service. That is the simple reason to eat out. When one or more of these don’t happen, a prickly feeling washes over me, and most likely, a “not coming back here and doing this again!” thought bounces around in my head.
When that happens I immediately spin it (find the good and simple pleasures): I am out for a meal; I am with a friend/colleague/family member; I don’t have to cook or clean up; and, I made a mental note about that place.
I can still choose happiness! Choose is the operative word. There’s no defending it; and I let that empower me. Spinning it will allow you to choose happiness. The best outcome is I’ve enjoyed a stimulating, empowering and inspiring conversation.
Another example of a simple pleasure is this: I hopped on a bus to explore another part of the city, and since I recently moved here, I wanted to learn what is around my new neighborhood. Thinking I was going a new direction, I ended up going a familiar way and not really learning anything new. No problem: I spun it – and realized that this bus goes close to the Fish Market, the plant souq, a really large CO-OP grocery store and an ACE hardware store. I enjoyed a lovely ride for only two dirhams on a sunny day. I chose to be happy for the excursion, education and elements.
Each day you have a proverbial clean slate on which to create your day. Try this:
Eat great foods. Give your body what it’s hungry for: fruits, grains, proteins. Get up and MOVE!! (exercise 20-30 minutes a day, minimally.) Think positive thoughts. Feed your mind with messages that are pure, positive and profound. Remember YOU ARE GREAT! You can do ANYTHING. Repeat that as a mantra. Recognize that you are loved, talented and adored. Who you are makes a difference. Now, read this again. Look out the window and see the sun. Accomplish what you create. The day is all about YOU. Choose to BE happy. Be present.
Exploring new places, making new friends and even preparing new meals have an element of FUN when you allow it. Try it! When you are happy, smiling and joyful, that radiates to those around you.
Try this too: smile at someone and watch them return the smile. Your best accessory is your smile. The other day, a woman was standing near me on the street. She looked a bit frazzled, tired and unhappy. I smiled at her and her face instantly brightened as she smiled back at me. That exchange took only seconds.
As you carry on today, this week, and all month, I invite you to be generous with yourself, your smiles and your heart. Share some smiles. Be truthful: are you finding happiness in your situations? If not, can you spin them towards happiness? Stay loving, peaceful and mindful. Take deep breaths. Enjoy each moment. Appreciate the simple pleasures.
Finally, create your own happiness mantra. Write it down and read it often.
– Denise Schnitzer
