“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.”~Martha Washington
Have you ever noticed that two people can go through nearly identical situations and have entirely different reactions? Some people seem to be happy and upbeat no matter what, while others are more beaten down by the happenings in their lives. There are even those people, and we all most likely can think of at least one, who seem to be beaten and miserable with no real reason.
What if what Martha Washington shared is true? What if our day-to-day happiness depends not on what is going on in our life, but on how we chose to view it? It is possible to see every situation, or at least almost every situation, in a positive light. Years ago my husband used to say, “Everything is funny.” Well, some things have finally happened in his life that he might not see as funny, but even the most painful circumstances can have a positive side. That choice of how to view things is largely up to each of us individually.
Things do get tough. Work can be difficult; bosses, colleagues, and loved ones can be challenging; promotions and accolades can be too late in coming; difficult circumstances can surround us. Those of us who are able to find, or at least look for, our happiness within even the toughest of situations are best equipped to not only make it through as unscathed as possible, but also to lead others to a better feeling and being place.
I know people who can be in a wonderful place and still be totally focused on the things that are wrong…and therefore be miserable. I also know people who can find things to be happy about, even when there isn’t much to be happy about…and therefore be happy. I know which of these I would rather choose.
Choose happiness.
Is your disposition set on happiness or misery? How can you switch it if you need and/or want to?
Please leave a comment.
If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.
For support in choosing happiness, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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