“Nobody really cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy.”~Cynthia Nelms
This is one of my favorite sayings. Each time I read it I stop and smile. I think of all the time and energy I can waste being miserable and dissatisfied…and remember it’s always a choice.
My parents separated when I was very young. I remember more than once sitting in the back seat of the car on the way to see my dad. I was upset with my mom, I had been crying, and I was determined to keep the tear on my cheek until we got to my dad’s so that he could see how sad I had been. I needed him to know how miserable I was. I still catch myself wanting others to know how tough it’s been for me, how hard I’ve worked, how much I’ve sacrificed, and all that I am doing for them.
I do know that many people care for me. I’ve also learned that they’re really all too focused on their own lives to spend too much time worrying whether or not I’m miserable. I’ve realized that it’s my life I’m wasting staying in these feelings – and that I have a choice. I can always choose to stay in my misery, or I can choose to be happy. To do something about the things that are getting me down, or simply to find something different to think about, or a different way to view what’s causing all my misery. Nobody really cares if I’m miserable, so I might as well focus on what makes me happy.
Find the thing that is bothering you most and find a way to think about it that feels a bit better. Keep going until you reach happy.
Where are you choosing to be miserable? How can you choose to be happy?
Please leave a comment.
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For support in finding your way to be happier, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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