The inspiration for this song may be a little different but in the end, Luther and I are saying the same thing. Make the most of your current situation. Luther Vandross “Love the One You’re With”
Recently I’ve been mulling over the idea of making happiness a choice. People regularly seem to make conscious decisions to be unhappy, to focus on only the negative, to point out the faults of all those around them. Is it possible to do the opposite? Can you choose to be happy?
I’m not asking if we should choose to be delusional. If something is wrong in your life, it’s simply wrong. But following excellent grandma advice, why don’t more people spend time counting their blessings than listing their hardships? If I counted my blessings instead of sheep to go to sleep, I’d always get to sleep. They’re somewhat endless if I’m being honest and not selfish.
It seems for many people (myself often included) identifying your issues with a situation is always easier than finding comfort in what’s right. Although this could apply to any possible life situation, as evident by the responses to a recent Facebook post along the same lines, it’s easy to equate this with romantic situations/relationships. And why not? People have a tendency to “settle” in romantic relationships probably more than any other situation. Family: Well, you’re born with them. Friends: You chose them and losing them is sad but maybe not the worse thing ever. Work: Most people would enjoy doing something else but you’re getting a paycheck so… But boyfriends/girlfriends: You’re investing time and it can be difficult to admit that was a poor investment. I’ve done it. I’ve settled in the past for the chance at a fulfilling relationship only to be filled full of anger, hurt or absolute indifference. Luckily, I’m not currently in a situation like that. 🙂 But I can understand the jumping to conclusions, people.
Anyway….My point is regardless of the type of situation you find yourself in can you choose to be happy? To make the most of it and roll with the punches? What does being miserable at work do for you? Either look for another position or suck it up. Bosses aren’t always going to see your potential or value your opinion and co-workers are not always going to work as hard as you do. If you’re currently having a “thing” with a friend or family member, do you love that person enough to just squash it? Sure, it may be something that needs to be dealt with so it’s not repeated but rather than fight to win, can you just fight to move on? It’s exceptionally hard to pay your bills right now. Is stressing about it going to help in any way? Can you just be thankful that it’s “barely” instead of “impossible”? You’ve gained weight or are losing your hair. Sure, we’d all like to look or best but do you really look “bad” or just not your ideal? I’m sure you get my point.
Pessimism is part of my “thing”. I’m a smart-ass who doesn’t let things slide and revels in tearing things apart. However, that personality type is often very unhappy as well. Sure, my reaction can cause a few laughs for others but it’s usually at the expense of someone/something else. By making a conscious choice to be happy, I’m also having to make a conscious choice to be less judgmental. I think that’s going to be hard….
Not miserable therefore very happy,
Jo’van
The Truth: According to Jo'van 