“The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high, and graceful when it is low.”
~Richard Carlson
Hello there!
Hoping these words offer some solace and encouragement for the next time you’re feelin’ a little low…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a glass half full kind of girl.
I look at the bright side, focus on the good and constantly endeavor to be joyfully appreciating my precious life.
I’m an optimist, that’s for sure.
And, I’m an expert in learning, implementing and teaching the self awareness and self love practices that promote wellbeing and happiness.
But, I’m also human.
I’m not perfect. I eff up regularly. I make plenty of mistakes. I fail often.
Just this past weekend, despite my efforts to let it go, I stewed for an entire day in discontent over schtuff that really does not matter in the grand scheme of things.
I was irritable and curt. I failed to enjoy a gorgeous day with my family because I was caught up in the tirade of negativity streaming through my mind.
When I went to bed on Sunday evening, a rush of relief finally hit me and I surrendered to the moment. I felt such ease knowing that my frustrations can be diminished by acknowledging them and then choosing to focus more attention on what I appreciate in my life.
I awoke feeling especially happy and grateful for a new day on Monday, but at the same time, feeling regret for my behavior the day before. I’d wasted the most precious of all things: time with people I love.
So, I had a choice to make: do I ignore my feelings of failure and regret, or do I let them surface and acknowledge them?
Knowing that awareness is the first step to transformation, I allowed myself to feel my regret over being a cranky brat the day before.
Though I felt incredibly ashamed of my poor behavior, especially since it’s totally contradictory to the message I teach, I embraced the moment as an opportunity to appreciate my humanity.
And, I realized that being human is actually an intrinsic part of living happy.
I practiced compassion for myself and forgave myself for having a bad day. And it felt SO freeing! I felt relief knowing that it’s okay if I make mistakes, I give myself permission to be real. You should, too!
Being happy does not mean faking our way through challenging times, it means being connected always to that deeper well of joy that flows from tuning in to the timeless peace and wisdom that live in our hearts.
Living happy means being you.
If you’re like me, there is so much room for growth.
So, tell me, can you practice greater compassion with yourself?
Can you free your heart from the heaviness of any regret you’re still carrying by forgiving yourself completely?
This is such a powerful practice that can and will change your entire life. When you start forgiving yourself, then being compassionate with the people in your life is so much easier.
Remembering your own humanness reminds you to be gentle with yourself…and with others.
Give yourself a break and let go of what you no longer need. Make space for the new by acknowledging and releasing the thoughts that are weighing you down.
Here’s wishing you peace in your heart and love in your life as you journey on…
Hugs & Hope,
Denise
Bryan
August 21, 2013
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” ~Buddha … I wanted to take a moment to thank you for being one of those candles that lights so many others by sharing the goodness that you to take the time to share. One component of your legacy will be your readers’ smiles 🙂
Denise Dare
August 21, 2013
This is one of my favorite quotes, Bryan. Thank you so much for contributing…and for your gracious compliment. It means so much to me to be able to brighten the path. So happy I could remind you to smile today! 🙂
Rhoda
August 23, 2013
LOVE the reminder of practicing greater compassion with yourself. When I think about my compassion, I often think of it as something to be practiced solely with other people — and forget about myself!! I am striving every day to be more gentle with myself. Thanks for this great post!
Denise Dare
August 24, 2013
So stoked that you found this one helpful, Rhoda! I notice that, especially as mamas, we can often put other people’s needs before our own. It’s so powerful to nurture and be kind to ourselves, too. Thank you for your thoughtful words! 🙂