How often do we stop and reflect on happiness? What makes us happy in the frenetic pace of life we all seem to create these days?
We race along in the mundane routine of everyday life, often too tired to really enjoy what life throws our way. And it takes the highs and lows of life to make us sit up and take notice of our emotions and what is wonderful about our everyday lives.
The high...
Last week I self published a short book about promoting yourself and establishing your brand. I wanted to share my journey of the last twelve months and give back to other authors the support given to me by writing colleagues who have became true friends in my writing journey.
The idea for my little book came from a throwaway comment by an editing client as I gave her advice on how to establish her brand and she said... you should write a book about that.
I laughed. "Yeah, in my spare time."
Last week, I was between two deadlines and not under the usual...'I have two hours to get this finished pressure'! I sat down and wrote my book over a couple of days.
Imagine my absolute amazement when I sat down at my computer with my first coffee the following morning, and discovered my little book which had virtually written itself had debuted on three Amazon bestseller lists in both the UK and the US!
The low...
In the midst of the excitement, a telephone call summoned us to the hospital to farewell a close family member. Ninety years of age and failing rapidly, we watch a much loved man let go of life. Sadness filled us as we pondered on the love, the experiences and the memories that will disappear as he draws his last breath.
Deep reflection on the emotional roller coaster of forty-eight hours was enlightening.
We let much happiness pass us by by expecting the peak experiences in life to make us truly happy. These moments of 'extraordinary experience' of love, accomplishment or rapture are profound moments when we experience that surge of emotion we identify as happiness.
But really, isn't it the small things in life when we are content in our comfortable, boring routine that is true happiness?
The joy of a child's giggle. The appreciation of a stranger for a good deed. A kind message from a friend. A gentle squeeze of your hand by someone who loves you.
That is happiness.
A whole new story has appeared in my imagination this week. I don't know when I will find the time to write it. But I do know it will celebrate the joys of everyday life and the moments of happiness we sometimes let go by.
And it will have roses somewhere in the title...
What was the happiest moment of your past week?
Condolences on your loss, Annie. It's always hard to say goodbye, no matter what age. And congratulations on your book-it was a very helpful guide. Take care, xo.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss, Annie X - no words can really heal that pain you and your family feel right now, but it will get better in time. xxx And HUGE congratulations on your book - its a brilliant little page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it - full of great advice. xx
ReplyDeleteIt is always hard letting go and as you say it is all the person's memories and experiences which disappear. Hugs
ReplyDeleteAs for a happy moment - little son, all by himself, made me a hug in a box for Mother's Day. It is a chocolate box with a card man inside and his hands are spread wide to give me a hug - perfect. Mx
My happy moment was when my son came up just to visit us, even after the event we'd originally scheduled to attend was cancelled. And the joy in my daughter's face on Skype as she told us how (at just 19 and far away) she's successfully negotiated checking out and buying her first car and organising her own insurance. Family - love them!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book. You are right, so often it's the little joys in life that feed out happiness. I too am struggling with loss--just learned my father-in-law is dying. As sad as this is, it gives up the opportunity to reflect upon the meaning of life, how to make our time here meaningful, and how to move forward into what lies beyond death with grace and dignity and hope.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments. Happy moments and moving forward with grace, dignity and hope. Thank you for your support.It has been much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteBless you doll. That was one hill to endure. HIGH then LOW. The sunset on the beach I bet helped tho. I will have to check out your promotional tips. I find that the most difficult part of this career. Wishing you the best
ReplyDeleteJ