Me + letting go = happiness {what’s your equation?}

Happiness never has to be found or made. It is within you.

Now. Yesterday. Always.

Choosing to be happy is a radical concept, but not one ever out of reach. You can even be happy in the most difficult of times, in fact, that is the secret to those so-called “happy people.” They embrace the difficulties, the sorrow, the loss, the short-lived times where life isn’t all sparkles and unicorns.

Happiness, the true and lasting kind, will never come from a new job, finding “the one,” buying your hundreth pair of jeans, that third glass of wine, a boost in your bank account, and sad to say, even a waggly bottomed little puppy.

These are all things that you can “find” or “make.” They are external factors that can attribute, or boost your inner baromoter of happiness, but they won’t keep you or make you genuinely and utterly happy forever.

I think about the concept of happiness a lot. What it means. How I see it in my soul. What it looks, feels, smells, and tastes like. I know it’s there. But even Miss Optimistic me can’t truly feel it envelop me all the time. Where does it go? It may be just waning, but in those times, doesn’t it just feel downright scary and cold? I’m sure you’ve been there.

So I came up with a little definition of happiness for myself when I am seemingly unable to point out or recognize that wonderful, gentle part of my spirit.

I don’t have your answer, or your own unique and awesome definition, but I will share mine. Because maybe it will help you find yours and it will continue to help me find mine by sharing it.

My happiness equation in long form:

Happiness is throwing your arms up in the air on the roller coaster of life. It is embracing the journey. It’s not knowing what’s going to be around the corner of every day. Feeling total love for myself and those around me even when (and it always is) things aren’t perfect, and heck, even when they’re downright sucky. It’s trusting in a higher purpose of self and soul and spirit and the Universe. Knowing that lots of people out there are taking care of me, both in the physical and in the spiritual realms. It’s asking (and seeking) every day how I can best serve myself and others. And finally, it is listening to my heart. Even if that means not making the “right” choices in other people’s eyes.

Happiness comes from my own actions. So many people say to “choose happiness.” I agree. But what does that mean? Again, it means through difficulties, my internal compass to ‘happy.’ Even if the needle bounces around from time to time. I set myself back up on the right path after I’ve experienced the lows. Happiness is always a path I can take.

How does happiness speak to you? I’d love some of your incredible wisdom and insight. Or simply share your equation! You are your own guru you know!