Week #241 – The Hope in Happyness
Last week I wrote about seeking beauty in ashes…with a challenge that no matter what setbacks, disappointments, or less-than-ideal circumstances came our way in the week ahead, to practice cultivating an attitude of possibility about the outcome.
And then, I found myself in the midst of one of the most challenging weeks I’ve had in a while!
I kept thinking about the irony of having written such words…and then finding myself feeling a little bitter and frustrated over some circumstances I was facing.
But the words from one of the latest episodes of Ricky Gervais’ show “AFTER LIFE” (on Netflix) kept ringing in my head:
“Happiness is amazing. It’s so amazing…it doesn’t matter if it’s yours or not.”
If you haven’t yet watched the show…I highly recommend it. Ricky Gervais plays a recent widower who’s lost his wife to cancer and simply can’t imagine going on without her. Dark…yes. But in a charming way (as only the Brits can do)…and funny. Very funny.
Because it’s true.
There is something about losing all hope that makes it so very hard to find for ourselves — even when it’s right in front of us. If that’s where you are — that’s okay. Sometimes life knocks us off our feet. And flat on our backs. And maybe we just want to stay there for a bit.
But when you’re ready…look around, and find someone to help you up. Someone who’s loved and lost, someone who’s tried and failed, someone who’s been knocked down and got up again. And let them share their hope, their happiness, with you.
(This is what a dear friend of mine calls her “Personal Board of Directors” — and it’s a brilliant idea!)
Happiness doesn’t have to be yours…it just needs to be.
Your Happyness Challenge for the Week Ahead: There’s Hope in Happyness! If you are having a bad week…maybe especially if you are having a bad week…reach out to someone who knows your pain and ask them to share their hope with you. And if you are the one who has walked through the fire and found yourself on the other side…there is someone out there who needs to hear that story this week.
SpreadHappyness — Seek and Share Hope this Week!
4/26/19 by Grace Church
© Grace Church
grace@spreadhappyness.com
Hey Grace,
My problem, one of many, is when I am feeling defeated, sad, hopeless and helpless I isolate. After all why infect others. On the other side of this discussion I feel great talking with someone who needs me to lift them up. How’s that for Shzophreinc personality.
Happiness comes in a package of three elements. Someone to love. Something to do. And, what was missing for me, something to look forward to. That’s changing.
Thanks, as always, for following along and leaving your thoughts here. There are several personality types that isolate under stress…the key is to know our triggers and have a strategy (and safe people) at the ready for such occasions. I like your definition of Happiness though…three things all within our personal power! Good formula (and I’m glad it’s changing for you)!