The Art of Happiness

I am not perfect, I am not an angel, I am not a saint. I am a human, constantly stirred by my emotions. The ups and downs that carry me through life are like the valleys and rivers of a mountain range. When I overcome one hill, standing atop, I am only led to realize that there are going to be many more downhill treks before I am to reach my next height. And when I climb the next hill, I am stronger, greater than I was before. But, sometimes when I am standing tall, surrounded by distant obstacles and past trails, I become overwhelmed with the sight before me.

How many times have you reached you're desired destination, only to find that you have many more miles to go? We humans have the tendency to think that when all is falling into place, nothing may go wrong. For me, when circumstances work in my favor, I become overjoyed with gratitude and contentment, yet it is times like these that sometimes pave way for my destruction.

When I am standing on the top of my world, often I forget to see the things that could cause distraction from furthering my goals. And when I let my guard down, this is when I am vulnerable to attacks, whether it be my own mind or an outsiders aggression.

Yet, a midst times like these, I know what I must do to persevere, and then again it is times like these, that it is so hard for me to listen to my own advice... staying true to myself is what I must always do to make it back to the top, however distant the travel.

We all struggle, we all strive, we all want to be apart of something greater then ourselves. We all yearn to live our dreams. And in order to pursue such aspirations, we must always know that happiness is an intangible gift, only given from ourselves to ourselves. I learned the hard way, that investing happiness in another being, is like walking on a pirate's plank. Teetering at the edge of a tiny surface, I could have dropped at any moment, with no ground in sight. And when I realized that happiness is what comes from the inside, I was at peace.

The art of happiness is a creation of the soul, pouring from the inside, out into the Universe. Overflowing with love, happiness is a signature of bliss, of peace, of euphoria. It is the laughter that floods our mouths, the smiles that burn our cheeks, and  the eyes of a dreamer, a dreamer who walks the valleys and crosses the rivers without giving up hope, the dreamer who pursues her goals, trying not to look back, eyes forward. I am a dreamer destined to climb to the highest mountain peak, and when I am standing atop, I will cherish the happiness that will consume me.

Give Wholeheartedly

Last Sunday I was nearing the end of my shift at work. While I was standing at the front of the restaurant ready to clock out, a woman walks in with her child in a stroller. She asked, "Do you know where there is a church where I can pick up some pampers for my baby?" I am unfamiliar with the surrounding area so I was, so I thought, useless. However, after realizing that none of my co-workers could or would help her, it suddenly hit me... (Steph, you must help her!)

I quickly spoke up before she could turn her back, I looked her in the eyes and timidly said, "I'll help you." This woman was practically startled, she couldn't comprehend the idea of a stranger helping her in such a way. But, I reassured her, I was willing to help.

We walked across the street to the market to buy the pampers. I was on a mission to change this ladies day. I had not the slightest clue how pricey pampers were, but I tried to zone the money matters out. All I really cared about was that I was embracing the act of giving.

As we strolled up the aisle where the pampers lay stashed, I asked the mother what her babies name was. His name is Christian, 2 years old. I glimpsed down at him as he sat there with a smile pasted to his face, his young eyes sparkling. Words truly cannot describe the feeling Christian gave me in that moment.

As we approached check-out the woman was telling me how she isn't used to asking for help. Her whole life she's tried to make it on her own living in New York City. I told her how important it is to never be hesitant in asking others for help, because I know for one, I'd not be where I am today if I hadn't asked. And for two, she wouldn't have met me if she didn't feel the need to ask her initial question.

Giving wholeheartedly always leaves me with such a vibrant feeling. I strive to live my life according to the virtue of treating others the way I want to be treated. And I always try to remember the times when I needed help the most, and those people who gave to me with their heart.

Mariane, was her name, and she was a blessing in disguise. Although I had provided her with a deed, it was she who uplifted me. And in return, I uplifted her. 

One Love

"So, why do you go by the name One Love?", I asked, as we walked over to my car for inspection. He responded, "Because, One Love a blessing," and warmly chuckled. I repeated to myself what he had just said in a low whisper as if it all made sense, I smiled. Right then and there, I knew this would be a very interesting encounter.

We made our way back to his small auto shop garage and briefly discussed prices for a minor repair on my four wheeled creature. But onto the more important stuff...

Following this conversation, he grabbed a book that bore great character. The original book being published in 1925, I could see the age and perfection of a book that has been read many times before. The faded blue hardcover with yellowing pages, were all a grand introduction to the golden etched title, "The Law of Success". It was quite apparent how appreciative One Love was to have such a book in his possession as he held it close to his chest upon presenting it to me. I could tell he couldn't wait to share with me.

He took a seat at his small square desk and began to skim through the pages. I asked if I could take a peek and stumbled across a message that stuck out like a sore thumb. "Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will, and energy to execute your ideas." (Henry Ford)

Isn't it so important to carry enthusiasm wherever we go. It is this characteristic which enables us to stay motivated and moving, carrying us forward towards our desires and goals. When we forget what it is we are striving for, maybe we should take a moment to reflect on the beginnings of our journey toward a specific goal, to picture a moment when we had the brightest sparkles in our eyes, for that sparkle is the sheerest sign of success.

When that sparkle is reignited I like to believe it is our inner light shining outward, allowing us to harmonize with the Universe. The sparkle in One Love's eyes gave me comfort and confidence that we can all be successful if we believe in ourselves.

Transform. Transgress. Truly express the Oneness that we all share. We are One Love.

 

Optimistically Sunny

This morning when I was putting my surfboard in the trunk of my roommates car, I waved hello to my neighbor. He asked if I knew what the weather was looking like for the day and I responded with a smile, "optimistically sunny." But in all actuality, the sky was heavily clouded with a layer of gray and I had the feeling the sun wouldn't be shining. However, I was thinking in terms of a metaphor.

So many times people are too concerned with what the weather will look like for the day, the next or even the following week. On the other hand, I rarely question what our Mother Earth will be bringing us. The weather is as unpredictable as the motion of the ocean (mocean). Rather than trying to revolve our days around what the weather "might" look like, let us follow the day as it comes.

We shouldn't wait around for the sun to shine, because if you look deep enough, the sun is always shining on the inside, it's just a matter of recognizing that inner light. And besides more than half the times I've ever "relied" on a meteorologist for my daily forecast, they were wrong. That says enough in itself.

The Last Sunset

So, even though today I didn't see a lick of sunshine, I still went through with what I was compelled to do. Sunday was enough sun for me. And tomorrow, if it rains or shines, I'll be just as content with what falls on me.

"You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing." James 4:13-15

Inspired

Feelings of Freedom

I am filled with such positive energy which supplies me with the spirit of free will. From the moment I opened my eyes today, til the moment I lay my head to rest again, I have been genuinely happy. The day has been nothing but comfort and contentment.

I arose this early morning with an energy that flung me out of bed. The subtle sunshine of dawn crept through the bedroom windows, gently resting on my face. I could sense the beginnings of a good day. An intense desire to play guitar filled my heart, which led me to the living room to fetch a guitar. I giddily made my way back to bed and let the beautiful tunes flow for the next hour. The creativity which I experienced paved way for the rest of my day. All of the things I have accomplished today, lead me to this moment in which I now sit and reflect.

The inspiration bleeding through my veins seems endless in supply. I could say I feel this way because of the people in my day, in my life. After watching a travel/surf/climbing documentary about men exploring the world in which their greatest desires are fulfilled, I am sure that if they can do it, I can. After reading a letter from a dear friend residing in Hawaii, enclosed with a picturesque scenery taken on a polaroid, I am confident, my dreams will come true.While writing a letter in response to my dear friend, I formulated a saying in my mind. I wrote, "write down your desires on paper, they will become the story of your life."

Ever since I began writing down my goals for the year on a piece of paper and tacking it to my bedroom wall, I noticed that these goals, without too much effort, became realities. And as for my long term goals, they are permanent on my heart, they will come true in due time. What I'm really trying to say here is that good things will come, work through the knots, and eventually the surface will smooth itself. We are all wandering this earth trying to fit in, to find purpose. And we will. Let your energy radiate from the inside out. And when opportunities knock, open the door and find that they will help you grow as a person.

We are all beings of infinite energy. Let your energy flow & be inspired.