Mar
12
being happy
Filed Under happiness, thoughts | Leave a Comment
Welcome to the inaugural post to my blog. I’ve been reading Emily’s posts and really enjoying them. She’s inspired me to start writing. I’ve been keeping a journal off and on, but need to be more consistent. I’m hoping this helps me write a little more often.
Occasionally, Emily and I eat a meal on our patio overlooking the ocean. It is a feature of our apartment we rank #1. Emily thought about moving for a short period after arriving on Saba. Looking back she wonders what brain she was using to come up with that decision. The view has been one of the main things keeping her sanity while living on this tiny island in the middle of the ocean.
We had a friend over for dinner last night and ate on the patio. The weather was, as I describe, the reason we are currently in the “high season” in the Caribbean. The temperature was ~78 F. There was a very light breeze which made the air just perfect. After dinner, we sat around the table talking about various topics, but the main thing impacting me was the beauty of the situation. I love living in the Caribbean with my family. I can’t imagine being here and experiencing this without them. This experience has truly helped me understand the difference between needs and wants. We live very simple. What I need is my family with me wherever I go. I can’t fathom living without them. They are truly my strength.
There are many unhappy people on this island . . . and there are many happy people on this island. It’s really a microcosm of life anywhere else. The difference being the absence of distractions constantly blasting in your face vying for your attention. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’ve made the decision to be happy and love my situation and I don’t think I could be any happier. I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else in the world, doing anything else, with anyone else. I’ve read several books about happiness and through my own experience I’ve proven several of their ideas. Happiness is a state of mind . . . a decision. Emily, I’m sure, gets tired of hearing me say it, but I can’t see it any other way. Happiness is a decision. People decide to be all kinds of stuff. Each person decides how they are going to respond to every situation . . . they may not do so consciously, but it is still up to them. Don’t get me wrong, I experience my share of stress, frustration, and sadness, but experiencing these contrasting emotions only heightens my enjoyment of life. I love life. I love my wife. I love my daughter and am amazed daily at how much joy I’ve experienced since she’s been a part of my life.