Happiness= unconfined bliss.
“Banish care, it’s not time for it now- on with the dance, let joy be unconfined is my motto.”
~Mark Twain
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about how many of us tend to confine ourselves in our happiness. We allow ourselves to feel a little bit here and little bit there, but inviting in more can sort of feel scary or vulnerable even. Perhaps we’re afraid we don’t deserve it, or we question its sincerity. Or maybe if we risk feeling joy, then there’s that much more to lose.
Writing a bunch of happy blogposts can almost bring on a sense of guilt, as if, oh dear, perhaps I’m not supposed to be so doggone happy. I think that’s what I like so much about the The Happy Book adventure I’m on with my dear creative cohorts. It gives me the opportunity to tune into the joys, and sit and marinate in them for a while, instead of what most of us do daily… stew on the obstacles and cling to our misfortunes, rather than count our blessings.
The thing is, everyone has their shit. (Pardon my language, but I couldn’t express it any other way). Life isn’t always happy. But we each have a choice as to how long we live with it that way, how much we’re willing to let it take over everything in our lives, and how willing we are to invite in more joy.
So, I say, just this once (although preferably on a regular basis)… Get up and dance. Stop confining yourself. Giggle. Let yourself feel happy. Allow a subtle sense of contentment in for a cup of tea and sit with it for a while. Paint a blur of whimsical colors. Howl at the moon. Go outside and catch snowflakes on your tongue. Take a bubble bath. Let go of your shit. Be gutsy and forthcoming and quirky. Tickle your children (or your cat or your dog or your significant other). Know that you are loved. Dare to be happy in this moment without guilt or shame. Marvel at how lucky you are to be alive, and at how each moment you are given the opportunity to shine.
You really are.
You are given this one precious life. Why NOT feel happy?
This week, my happies include…
~ Both of my parents-in-law being on the road to healing and major life changes after quite a tumultuous week of major medical issues.
~ Watching horses be born on MareStare.com (my new addiction!).
~ A new work truck for my partner that our whole family can ride in, and the unbelievable window of opportunity we had in getting it.
~The tease of spring-like weather.
~ The smell of 3-bean portabella quinoa chili consuming my house.
~My amazing clients, who teach me just as much as I teach them.
~My folks coming to visit for a few days.
~My precious, precious family (furry members included).
Categories: Health, Living Mindfully, The Happy Book, The Next Chapter, gratitude, inside out, life purpose | 
Tags: action, authenticity, Creativity, gratitude, happiness, Jamie Ridler, Lisa Rough, The Happy Book, The Next Chapter, trust | 
11 Comments »
Wonderful post, Lisa! I find it so interesting that so many UYB peeps are musing about joy and happiness lately. There is a lot of shit going on in the world right now…. really all the time … but we all deserve to let our happiness flow. By letting our happiness show we inspire others to let theirs out too. And happy people can change the world.
I love the picture! Your message is so important: dare to be happy! Yes, happiness is a choice–why not choose it? I’m getting better at that! Thanks for the reminder!
Really love that “get up and dance” thing. It’s what I have experienced some time when times were rough, that this was the best thing to get along.
You can’t hide your feelings, when you are dancing, so you have to let it all out and what a relief it is!
Happy weekend and more to you and yours!
Amen! I wholeheartedly agree. And have been outside, catching snowflakes on my tongue, btw!
I also came across this quote this week that I think ties in with your post that I thought I’d share:
“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is
the same.” Carlos Castaneda
And I’d rather be happy, so.. there are more snowflakes to catch!
I do somethimes feel guilty because my life is pretty stable and happy. Thanks for reminding me that it’s OK not to dour because that’s perceived as somehow virtuous .Since I joined the Happy Book that I notice the good things more and notice the shit a lot less.
I do love when you read something like this and realisation suddenly dawns that you feel the same way or are having the same experience. It’s so true about the guilt thing but your observation on what this group brings – the forum to let it rip – if spot on. I’m inviting in more joy right now and letting go of all the sh**!!
thank you for reminding me that it is okay to be happy and not feel guilty about it. happy weekend! ciao!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on unconfining our happiness, and your list of happies for the week! I’m gonna go dance now.
Today I turn 50 and I know that this will be the best year so far of my life- I am choosing joy and quirky and to live a shalom ( nothing broken, nothing missing, perfect peace) style life. With age comes that knowledge that what other people think of you really does not matter as long as you to think about yourself and you are living in a way that makes you both fulfilled and full up authentic to your joy.
Your post is a perfect reminder of what I seek throughout this year. Be blessed!
First off…I just love that photo! It’s hilarious. Such a poignant post. I think much of happiness has to do with perspective. I know many do feel guilty for being happy. That’s why this post is so fantastic. It helps people change their perspective and give them permission to be happy. Such a great gift. Thanks so much. Have a great week.
Love your statement: “how willing we are to invite in more joy.” So true that we have a choice to be happy!