We’ve all been in a grumpy mood, right? And what are our choices? We can wallow in it. Or we can get out.
Recently, I found myself in a mood. After wallowing for a bit (which I rarely allow myself to do) I realized that it came from having my emotional buttons pushed. Someone said something to me that struck a strong, defensive cord.
Well, if words can pull you down in an instant, then doesn’t it stand to reason that words can also pull you up just as quickly?
I believe they do.
I have a person I call when I’m in need of encouragement: my sister! She always has the right words to get me out of a slump. So I called her of course, and within five minutes, she had me laughing through my tears. I was feeling great again about myself, about the person with whom I had the challenge, and about life itself. I felt instantly empowered! That is the difference a few encouraging words can make. They can give you perspective and help you see the bright side. And there always is a bright side.
All circumstances are neutral. It is our thoughts that put either a positive or negative spin on them. Two people can each be going through a very similar situation in life. One can choose to become embittered by it, while another uses it to grow strong in wisdom and understanding. Which will you be?
There’s a quote I count on in times of need, from my Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, “Praise makes me no better, and blame makes me no worse”. These words have prevented me countless times from becoming puffed-up-like-a-peacock when I’ve been complimented for my worldly achievements. And they’ve been my rock when I’ve been criticized for my many weaknesses. This quote brings me even-mindedness, to take everything without personal attachment. Because really, no matter what anyone says, or thinks of you, you are who you are. And you can be the best version of yourself at any given moment. It is your choosing.
In essence, we decide how happy we will be. It’s how we arrange our mind, not our circumstances.
Abraham Lincoln was a leader known in history for his ability to overcome great challenges by practicing right attitude. He said “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Emotional experts call this your “happiness setpoint”. They say we all have it, and it doesn’t matter what we acquire or lose, that fleeting moments of happiness and sadness are transitory. Much like a pendulum, we are always brought back to our setpoint sooner or later.
So what we’re talking about here is how to continually and gradually raise that setpoint. Some ways are to think positively, see the glass as half full not half empty, laugh at life, take things in stride and always strive to act in the highest way.
One sure way that I have found to raise my happiness setpoint is through service to others. In laymans’ terms, it means thinking of others before yourself.
No matter what your situation, there will always be someone better off, and someone worse off, than you. So if you feel a mood or wave of self-pity coming on, instead of comparing yourself to someone who has more than you, lock up your house, cross the tracks and go help someone who has less! Getting outside of yourself brings happiness.
This poster, displayed in a senior’s home, says it well, in a sweet way.
If you want happiness for an hour…..take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day…..go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year…..inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime…..help someone else.
And remember, when you’re feeling low, call someone you know is certain to pull you out with a few kind words. It will make a world of difference, to you, and to everyone around you. And I’m sure you’ll re-pay them the favor one day.
And since laughter is great medicine, let’s close with something to make you smile:
Some people cause happiness
Wherever they go.
And some people cause happiness
Whenever they go.
Hmmm. something to ponder. Who do you want to be?
Yours in Wellness,
