The Courage To Be Happy
Written by admin on July 21st, 2008I’ve read before that happiness is a form of courage.
It’s perplexing to me that one of the hallmarks of hitting middle age is the possibility of being suddenly shrouded by this thought: my life is not what I thought it would be. Then, coming out on the other side of that, I know many 50+-year-olds who are at their happiest ever!
Am I happy? If I don’t think about it, I’m fine. If I think about it, I’m confused.
Am I happy? Or not?
There’s another saying I like, and Tasha Tudor mentioned it in one of her books: Take Joy. If Joy is there for the taking, then isn’t it a choice to be joyful or not? Perhaps it’s all choice.
There’s another little saying: Happiness has to be cranked up; trouble is a self-starter. Oh my, do I know this!! I am genetically prepared to look at the glass half emtpy, but as I get older I am trying to look at the glass half full. Or maybe completely full, even if it’s not.
Then I get really philosophical and wonder can there be any joy in suffering? In loss of health, family, friends, home… Well, here’s another little quote. Albert Schweitzer said, “One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”
Hmmmm. I think a spirit of servitude can be cultivated in almost any circumstance. A thankful heart. An humble spirit. A smile. Friendship. Quietness. (Did you know it’s hard to be quiet?) Sharing your bread.
I think there’s joy in being content. So, today, even though I’m working, and even though I was up until nearly midnight last night baking birthday cakes for Princess of the Universe, and even though a time-out for her party this afternoon will leave me with extra typing to do tonight, and even though most kids are away in the summer and her party may end up being just her brothers and her mommy and her papa bear, I am taking joy today. I’m not even going to look at the glass half empty because I have so much to be happy for. In fact, I am happy. I am glad that, at least for today, I have:
- food
- healthy children
- sunshine pouring in through my office window
- an old aspirin bottle dug up from my garden adventures in my own yard, sitting in an old, old window with a flower in it
- flowers
- a girl who’s turning 10
- a birthday party to look forward to
- running water
- recycling trucks that come by and pick up things to recycle
- a creative mind
- butterflies and bees in my yard
- clothes — and thrift stores
- my mother
- my sister
- my hard-working, handsome husband
What gives you joy today?
Lynn
The Hundred Dresses
The Family Under the Bridge
Caddie Woodlawn. With the Wisconsin big woods theme, goes along great with a FIAR study of The Raft.
A Year Down Yonder
A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning
Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning: A Story for Mother Culture. Sweet fictional story about a newly homeschooling mother who incorporates nature study.
Nature Crafts for Kids: 50 Fantastic Things to Make With Mother Nature's Help
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
Awakening Beauty the Dr. Hauschka Way
A Redbird Christmas: A Novel
The Usborne Internet-Linked Book of Knowledge
What Your Fifth Grader Needs to Know
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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fresh green beans from the garden, sewing, books, blogs that uplift and encourage.
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Please wish your princess a happy birthday from me!
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beautiful post……”taking” joy has been on my mind a lot lately, as well. It truly is something that you have to “take”…a conscious effort to find joy in the little things all around us.
sewing, time with my kids, time spent at home, time to pray, time to be crafty with my girls, time with my boys and listening to their ideas, time on the back porch…..I could go on all afternoon
Tell your princess Happy 10th Birthday!!! My boys are turning 10 this Thursday as well!!
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Today’s joy comes from building a door from scratch for the new chicken coop, and it actually opens and closes and the corners are all right angles.
Also, getting a new textbook editing project today, which will pay for this new coop!
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Cindi, is there anything better than fresh green beans from the garden!?
Emily, I will. Thank you!
Sandra, you have a lot to be happy for! Wish your boys a happy birthday!
Oh, Iris, I love building things. Or trying.
Good going on getting the job to pay for the new coop!
Lynn
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Thanks for posting your thoughts. I’ve been struggling with the happiness issue lately as well. I think it may be- because my ds is maturing and becoming too independent much to fast. I know it’s normal and healthy– but…..
it makes me re-evaluate my role and mind as well.
Happy day Lynn…
I love the skirt in the following entry!
Michele
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Good morning Lynn
Beautiful post! I find a bit of joy everyday, but like you I am genetically preprogrammed to be a glass is half empty kind of gal, so sometimes it’s hard to find it.
I read all the posts that I’ve missed and I loved every minute of them. Your home and your gardens are as enchanting as you are
hugs,
rue
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Michele, they grow up WAY too fast. I am trying to enjoy every single minute!! You and I will have to be pen pals when they get older. Okay?
Rue, thank you so much. You are very sweet. I think it’s important to take joy every day — like you said.
~Name your blessings, count them one by one.~
An old saying I like.
Lynn
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Lynn,
As another working mom who would prefer to be just the mom I can relate to having to “take” joy regardless of the circumstance that you wish was different.
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl.
Ann
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Ann, I’ve had a few short seasons of just being a mom. They were wonderful!
In a way I wonder if working has made me more attentive. I do not take my time at home for granted.
Lynn