The Happiness Habit…
By
I have noticed something funny in the past few days.
Even though everything in my life is just about as perfect as it can be right now, there is still a part of me that is afraid to just let go completely and enjoy it. After spending a lifetime “on guard” as it were… defensive… waiting for the other shoe to fall… it seems like a challenge for me to just totally relax and allow myself to be completely happy.
I grew up in a fearful environment. My father is deathly afraid that something bad is going to happen (even though the majority of his life has been extremely happy and uneventful). He lives in constant fear. I think some of that rubbed off. Don’t get me wrong. I am a happy, positive person… for the most part. But there is always a tiny little part of me that stands “on guard”… like a little soldier at the ready… just in case.
It’s like, if I actually completely just let go…. I am creating a space for the bad stuff to enter. Not sure if I am explaining this very well, or even if it makes sense at all.
But I have been consciously catching myself over the past few days, and actually deliberately “letting go”. Stress and tension and fear are a learned response, a habit. Happiness can be a habit also. But it needs to be practised daily. It is my intention to make being ecstatically, blissfully, joyfully happy my new habit, until it just become as natural to me, as being stress-filled has been in the past.
I know it’s totally possible.
Who wants to join me?
55 Comments
It’s so much easier said than done isn’t it… Perhaps it’s the so-called news that keeps us on edge, the wars and other negativity in the world that helps keep us sliding into the negative zone. Church has consistently helped us by showing us that as believers, we will win anyway!! I hope you can feel better. The old saying says… Let Go, Let God…
I love that saying, and I tell it to myself all the time, but like you say…. easier said than done… thanks John
Oh, I’m with you already. I find that meditation has been the key to letting go of anxiety for me, as well as simply accepting the fact that I can’t control my life, I can only control myself and my reaction to it. I do believe that there are people and entities looking out for me, and that they will help me if I ask. So I ask. Routinely.
I’ve heard that anxiety is just telling yourself stories about a “now” that hasn’t happened yet, so I try really hard not to do that. Whenever I catch myself, I just place a big white mental X over the image, and then replace it with a more positive one. That seems to help.
I love that idea… I must try it. And I do forgot to “ask” as much as I could. I know that there are plenty out there who have my back, and I really should rely on them more than I do. Thanks Jennifer.. that really helps xxoo
While it is important to be prepared for things that might happen it is also important to relax and enjoy your life to the fullest
Absolutely… my new little Molly cat is helping to teach me that. They live so totally in the NOW… and it seems like such a wonderful way to be.
Tracie, this may be your greatest post yet! And what a gorgeous picture. Amen to this positive affirmation!
I am SO glad to hear you say that… this is my 200th post and I didn’t realise that when I typed it, and then I wished I had done something more special, but maybe it was special enough just the way it was
Sooooo special! Inspired even. A great 200th post indeed!
Thanks
i totally get what you’re saying! we have been through so much bad we always feel like what’s next? i’ want to join you!
Welcome aboard….. let’s set sail on the happiness trail
anchors away Skipper!
Of course I will join you. Jay
I somehow thought you might
It takes practice when fear arises to focus on the breath and let the lure of the story go. feel the sensations associated with these fears.
Fear can be explored without the ego. It is like any other emotion. Thoughts are air without action. Stay present when thoughts appear and observe them.
Excellent advice…. thank you Marty
I know exactly what you mean – I have this hesitant happiness – ridiculous!
It is ridiculous, but I think so many of us buy into it. I am hoping to learn to let it go
Forgot to say that just looking at your photograph here = joy!
and.. thank you for that lovely compliment. xxoo
Whenever I catch myself “… waiting for the other shoe to fall… “. I make it a point to go bare foot!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
Would love to come aong for the trek.! I have had similar thoughts for the last several months, and it’s great to hear that echoed from elsewhere! I under stand the lifetime of ‘on guard’ bit,, it’s hard to let that down completely, which does hinder happiness. Here’s to happy trails, and lovely lovely image!
Thanks so much Bonnie… I am sure it can be done… just have to have faith
f happiness are going to be a habit for you – count me in …. I’m moving in with you. Tracie, I don’t think happiness need to be practiced every day – II don’t think we need to practice in happiness – we only need to let it in and adopt to. Also I’m not a believe as such – but I believe that we create our own happiness – we have it all inside us – nobody else will give us happiness if we don’t let them. Once again it’s all in our attitude.
Couldn’t agree more.
i understand what you mean. when i had cancer even though i knew i was really bad off, i still refused to let the negative thoughts in. some days were designated “no cancer’ days. that was when any one around me knew the rules that i would tolerate no talk of cancer,i didn’t want to see any article on it and i turned the tv off cause if the commercials for it. i still use that tactic about negative things. oh and i originaly came here to say that i just nominated you for the super sweet blogging award!
Thank you for the nomination
I have heard how other people have cured themselves of cancer and other diseases by using the tactics that you speak of. Thoughts and attitudes are VERY powerful things.
I have struggle for a good portion of my life known as a worrier… always waiting for the bad things to happen… some have and I’ve realised no matter how I worried I always managed the problem when it came…. but most of the time all my worries were for nothing and many years of training have taught me that no matter how much I worry if something is going to happen it will and waiting for it has never helped…. so now I enjoy myself and never worry, if something happens I can handle it when it does… so why worry in anticipation… don’t know if that made sense….
But now to something else that photo is stunningly beautiful….
It made perfect sense, and it sounded exactly like you were describing my own life… and thanks about the pic
Great post Tracie Louise. Congratulations on it being your two-hundreth. They just keep getting better. It is a wonderful challenge to remain in the ‘present moment, only moment’, remaining mindful even when our fears get the better of us. Beth
It is a challenge, but I am sure one that is well worth mastering… thanks so much for the kind words… they are truly appreciated. xxoo
I know and believe it’s totally possible, and yet I don’t think I am ready to go there yet. . .
I understand.. I really do.
Fear is normal but, how much of it do we allow in? Usually, too much. We never seem to give enough time to consider the alternative. What if……………something good happens?
Once considering, something good……how about, something else….good? Single thoughts to enhance, and continue a whole thought trend….
To your happy days ahead! To our happy days, ahead!
That’s so true… we never really spend much time in contemplating the “what if good”. Imagine the world if we did.
Firstly, great photo! Amazing colors.
Secondly, your post reminded me of poor old Charlie Brown: “I think I’m afraid to be happy because whenever I get too happy, something bad always happens.”
EXACTLY!!!! I have had that Charlie Brown philosophy for most of my life…. I think it’s time I gave that up.
I love the fact, that I love your pics and want to put a “like” immediately. And then I read your words and want to put another “like”…
WordPress should totally have two “like” buttons
Beautiful Photograph, the colors are so pretty : ).
Thanks xo
Being happy? how could I not be with you
Beautiful image by the way 
Aaaawwwww *blushing*
I had to smile when I read your post Tracie. It reminds me of the day one of the big wigs in the company I work for, asked if I were happy. My response to him was, “A man is as happy as he wants to be..
Happiness is learned. Therefore, it can be turned on and off..
Thanks a lot for sharing. God blesses.
Thanks Noel…. and I totally agree
Great post, amazing photo (as usual) and a firm believer in the power of affirmations like this. Remember to, it’s OK to give yourself permission to be bummed about something every now and then – just knowing in the end, it’s all good. It takes the pressure off keeping up being happy all the time – hence, it’ll happen more freely. Food for thought – I could be totally wrong… .
Best, Joie
I don’t think you are wrong at all…. I have always argued for my right to be a little down now and then, just so long as I don’t allow myself to wallow. I think there are many times that totally warrant a good “bummed out”. Thanks for the kind words about the pic too xxoo
No words to describe how wonderful is this shot <3
xx frà
You are so kind… thank you xxoo
I understand exactly how you feel.
…. Love the photo, in fact all of your photos are wonderful! . So glad I stopped at your site! Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking my post..
I am so glad you stopped by as well… thank you xxoo
I love the photo, I love the calmness and peace brought to me by simply looking at it, happiness can be a habit,, true… There are so many things around us that lead us to be happy and have a great day…. just smile…
I am so glad my image had that effect… that’s what it’s all about. xxoo