Choosing to be Happy

I’ve taken some time to myself this weekend to reflect on my life and it’s amazing what some time will do. Three years ago I was forced to start a new life journey after being left on my own. It was not easy. I had been betrayed and abandoned by a person who vowed to stick with me through thick and thin. This time in my life was particularly difficult because I knew that it meant it would reduce the time I was able to spend with my boys and would change our family relationship.

I totally agree with the quote, “I believe that sometimes the bad times in our life put us on a direct path to the very best times in our life.” This has proven true in just about every negative impact in my life. As I have mentioned on this blog previously, I used my mother’s passing as a catalyst to help provide clear direction and purpose to a career path that I absolutely love. Along with lots of dedication and hard work, I have excelled in my profession for over 24 years and don’t foresee any change in my passion for teaching. Fast forward to today, and in particular, the past twelve to eighteen months.

I am now truly happy and have so much joy in my life both at home and at work. I have my health and my family is healthy. I have two growing boys who continuously amaze me with their smarts, their love, and their wit. While I do not get to see them every day, I cherish the time that I have with them and try to provide a positive home where they learn, play, and will become awesome young adults.

For two years now, I have an incredible companion, Stacy, who is kind, fun, loving, and teaches me a lot about being a great human, father, and friend. Relationships are not easy and each person must continuously give and take to make it work. I think we have attained a great balance and we continue to enjoy each other’s company more and more. In a healthy relationship, good communication is one of the main ingredients and this is a huge factor in our success. Stacy is also an amazing parent figure for the boys and loves them as if they were her own. The boys have really taken to her and love having her as an integral part of our family. I am so grateful for Stacy and all of her amazing qualities — love, strength, compassion, persistence. We are one and make each other better and stronger.

Do I have life completely figured out? Hardly! Is my life perfect? No way. There isn’t such a thing. I always feel like I am a bit backed up with school work, the house is sometimes messy, I’m a few pounds heavier than I’d like to be, my car hasn’t been washed, I don’t have enough time to complete projects, etc. etc. Who cares?? I am in a wonderful place in my life and make an honest effort to appreciate each day. I am grateful for all that I have and the opportunities I am afforded.

There are always going to be ups and downs in life, and this is normal. Everyone has to work at it. And we must choose to be happy – nothing will make you happy, at least not genuinely. I understand that there will be times of stress and negativity that will arise in the future but I can’t let that determine how I am today. I will remain open-minded, positive, vigilant and prepared to deal with problems when they arise.

Finally, I strive to live my life using the Seven Cardinal Rules, as listed below. Here’s to continued gratitude, love, peace, joy, and positivity!

Seven Cardinal Rules of Life

1. Make peace with your past so it won’t disturb your present.
2. What other people think of you is none of your business.
3. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
4. No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.
5. Don’t compare your life to others and don’t just them. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
6. Stop thinking too much. It’s alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it.
7. Smile. You don’t own all the problems in the world.