NANA SAYS " YOU'RE A HAPPY PERSON MOM!"

Children observe who we are and know our faults and strengths better than anyone else. My daughters paid me a great compliment recently by saying- " You're a happy person Mom!" There are times that adversity occurs in all our lives but I present happy because I make the effort for myself, my husband and my children and of course now the little grandchildren to try to be happy. Not the woe is me or as the Italians would say Povera Me! Poor me! By enjoying the little moments in life and just being, I guess brings the happiness. Happiness does not happen to a person but comes from within! It is not the things we have or the great vacations, although they can contribute to the mix that brings happiness. So how did my children discover this about me! What did I do? I wish I could tell you so you can decide if you want to be a happy person. If there were descriptors of you as a parent or grandparent, what would you want it to be? There are children that find the grownups in their lives as  miserable people. Angry? Resentful? Victims? Who wants to be around them? My grandchildren will tell their parents they want to see their Nana and their Granpa if a time has passed without a visit. Is it because we are so happy to see them- making eye contact, smiling, saying their name and giving a favourite treat when appropriate- after a nutritional one first! So what would your children say about you? What word would they use? What word would you want them to use?

HAPPINESS IS

Happiness is a relative concept. What can make one person happy might be very boring to another. We are told money can't buy happiness but we all keep buying lottery tickets or look for the next great invention to collect royalities. Happy people chose to be happy no matter what life brings them. Yes there are times of sadness, worry or accepting unfortunate circumstances. A work mate recently told a new staff- when you're here for more than six months you will not be smiling anymore. So our happiness is dependent on other circumstances or is it. When we take responsibility for our own feelings, it can make a difference in our lives. Events do come to us that give us choices to make. Those choices can be so difficult. I like to put on my game face to the world. For example, I walk through the door at work and act as if I really love to be there- good mornings, how are you, look at the floor worksheets and try to assess what needs to be. Then it happens, I really love to be there- 8 hours is manageable if the attitude is right. I believe the people I encounter deserve my positive approach to life. Sure there are days, I am glad it's time to go home. Fridays always bring the end of the week relief. Honestly, I do not have to like everything that comes my way but I can make choices how I deal with it. What do you put in your life that brings happiness? Would you describe yourself as a happy person? Or are you the one that has to see the negative side to everything? Do you blame other people or events for your unhappiness? Are you the one that walks into a room and brings the light or joy? Happiness is...... is a favourite quote of my cousin. Thought it would be good to link our blogs.