Happiness is the path (guest post)

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Not only am I super honored Krysten has written us a guest post—she’s spending her *birthday* with us on top of it all.  Join me in thanking her for her musings and wishing her a happy and HEALTHY year to come.

A little while ago Carla wrote a post titled “the way you do one thing is the way you do EVERYTHING”.

I thought it was it was an interesting idea, but the notion didn’t really resonate with me.

Sometimes I have to make sacrifices in one area of my life to give more energy and greater focus to another. Like some days I sacrifice my workout to be able to have more family time. Sometimes I have to sacrifice family time for a work project. And sometimes the dishes don’t get done, because I would rather go for a run.

Most of us, myself included, are looking to strike that elusive balance in our busy, priority-laden world. And sometimes to prioritize what really matters, something else has to give.

But then I came across this quote…

“There is no path to Happiness. Happiness is the path”

This did resonate with me.

And I found myself wondering if this was just a different way of saying “the way you do one thing is the way you do all things“

And when looked at from this perspective I whole heartedly agreed.

I think the intention and integrity that you use to govern your life can be recognized in all of your actions and decisions.

So while you can not always chose the circumstances that you find yourself in (something I know all too well – like this, this, and this), but you can chose how you allow them to affect you.

There are plenty of instances where anger, disappointment, and anxiety are perfectly reasonable reactions, but they don’t have to be your final reactions.

And as much as we try to strive for perfection, mistakes are an inevitable part of life. Those mistakes and challenges are often lessons if you consider it an opportunity to grow.
Instead of dwelling on how things have gone wrong, you can chose to focus your energy on the future and making your time more meaningful.

Happiness is a choice.

When you stay positive and think about the things you can accomplish, you’re able to find peace with the things that you cannot control.

And if that is the path your chose, it will resonate in all areas of your life. So maybe the way your chose to do one things, really is the way you chose to do everything.

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,

Krysten

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Comments

  1. I couldn’t agree more that happiness is a choice. A long time ago when I was a young teen and struggling with teenage issues, I had a wise teacher tell me that I was in charge of my day and only I could be the one to choose how I react to it. That philosophy has stuck with me over the years and while I am not always good about choosing to “stay calm” or “be happy” when it boils down to it, I know that I am the only one who can govern the way I go about life!

  2. I always need the reminder about mistakes.
    I hate when I make them and feel I’m the only one.

  4. I think my natural state is a pessimistic one.
    I do try and fight it and remain positive as best I can.
    Thanks for the post and happy birthday!

  7. I hate the word “sacrifice” when it comes to making choices about what one does on a day to day basis. My workouts get done before I climb in the car for my 45 min. commute, I have FUN with my preschool kiddos and I work my ass off during the day in order to provide them with the education they need. I come home and cook simple but healthy meals and feed my feathered friends, water my vegetables and flowers and relax in the evening. Most days are like this. I give a lot so I get a lot of happiness back. I never knew there was any other way to live one’s life other than how I am living it….

  8. Krysten – you are spot on. Happiness IS a choice. Yes, we all have less than stellar days, but for the majority of the time, it is up to us to choose how we react to what life has given us. Great post! 🙂

  11. Krysten always shares great insight and I love seeing her here. I recently saw that quote too and it made me pause. Happiness is a path and a choice and without our control and that switch in perspective has been really powerful

  15. I totally agree with this, too! We might strive for different things, thinking at the end of it we will be happy. We just need to be happy NOW. And try our best to stay that way 🙂

  16. I’ve been telling my boys for years that happiness is a choice and then the past few months I sort of forgot that in my own life.
    I love that quote about no path to happiness because happiness is the path.

  17. Happy Birthday Krysten! This is a great post. Happiness is often right in front of you, surrounding you. It is just a matter of seeing it and choosing to be happy.

  18. Wise words from Krysten (as usual)! I find when I take responsibility for my thoughts and actions, I realize I have more choice (and control) that I would like to think. Happiness is most definitely a choice.

  21. Love this and will be sharing. The part that sticks with me the most is “When you stay positive and think about the things you can accomplish, you’re able to find peace with the things that you cannot control.”

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