In the book, in chapter 15, he talks about unconditional happiness. I would also call it true happiness.
He says:
he goes on to say:
My interpretation is that if we want to be happy, we must choose it.
Let that sink for a moment (and exhale deeply).
I don’t believe he is saying that we shouldn’t feel other emotions like anger, grief, sadness, outraged and different feelings we may qualify as inappropriate or negative.
In my opinion, all emotions are valid.
But can we also choose happiness amid a lousy day?
My greatest teacher regarding happiness is my son.
When he was a young child, I always asked him how his day was after coming home from school.
He always answered with a single word: “good.” That went on for weeks and months.
One day after the standard “good” answer, I asked Shawn, “when you come home from school, and I ask you how your day was, you always say good. Do you ever have a bad day?”
He looked at me, thought for a moment, and said: “No. Sometimes I have bad moments, but I never have a bad day.”
He was seven.
What will you choose today?
Fluctuation is a natural way of life. But sometimes, we must be reminded and supported to find true happiness during chaos.
I am here to let you know that you are not alone, to remind you to breathe through whatever you are going through today.
We can move forward in life with joy when surrounded by friends, family, a coach, or a mentor.
We can choose happiness as we cry on our bestie’s shoulder.
To me, having that friend at that moment is true happiness + walking on the beach, gentle waves lapping over my feet. :)
So I invite you to share your happy moments with the world.
We need them more than ever!
As our light shines brightly, we spill it on all around us.
I am here to support you and guide you, always!
With Love from Santa Monica,
Cathy D