We have just started the month of May, my fellow seniors. Funny that between Christmas and the Royal Wedding, your grandtots’ soiled nappies and your mama’s daily insulin shots – or perhaps yours? – it feels like time is slipping away so fast you won’t even have the time to notice it! As a proud senior belonging to what they call the sandwich generation, and at the same time trying to juggle one too many balls that sometimes I, myself, get a little afraid some may fall, it’s fairly easy to forget how to be happy and just let myself be swallowed whole by my situation. Not a good thought but if you somehow find yourself in such situation, you’ll quickly realize that being cranky and depressed doesn’t sound bad at all, in fact, it is easier to do than constantly struggle to find happiness. Certainly not your choice and clearly not your fault, but we were also taught that if life gave you lemons, you make lemonades so who are we to complain?
After decades of living, I am now in the position to say that life was easier then. I don’t know what went wrong and I don’t want to know either, it’s just it is easier to live your life then and be happy. No complicated decisions to make—you just live and die and that’s it. Back then, you’re either sad or happy, rich or poor, dirty or clean—nothing in between. Today, there are all kinds and shades of gray, making it harder to decide what’s more important and needed at the moment. It seems like the more we’re given options, the harder it is to choose.
But sad is not good. So is depressed. Hence the battle plan to happiness should be made. In your way to happiness, you should know that the key to happiness is actually choosing to be happy. It is a choice and you need to stand by it no matter what. I’ve had highs and lows and all I can say is that money cannot guarantee you happiness. In fact, you are more likely to discover life’s happiness during those moments when you don’t have too much money on your hands. Indeed, money can be blinding.
Your emotions too play a significant role in choosing happiness and staying happy. I understand that as we grow old, our emotions tend to magnify to unbelievable proportions. All those feelings you didn’t have trouble ignoring, refuse to be ignored this time. Learn to let go and always count your blessings as these are the only ways to fight sadness from creeping in.
You are the master of your thoughts, don’t let it control you. You may be chairbound right now or even bedridden but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking happy thoughts. Think happy, positive thoughts and allow yourself to feel happy. Soon you’ll notice that happy thoughts invite positive energy and good luck – things that can turn your life around.
