Our Chapter, Destiny’s Journey, is doing the agenda series on happiness this cycle. The actual title of the series of series is “Happiness: Enhancing our Happiness and the Happiness of Those Around Us.” Originally, this title called to me because while we are always seeking happiness, I am not always clear as to what happiness really is. Is it a destination? A blip in time? Must there be laughter and excitement? Is it joy? Or can it be a quiet contentment? I am coming to believe that happiness means different things to different people at different times.
One thing that I am learning is that all of the above can be true. I am also learning that I am responsible for my own happiness. It is not about what happens to me or to the world around me, but what I make of it, what I do about it and how I feel about it.
In today’s world with the coronavirus forcing us to separate and isolate, it is clear to me that I get to choose my level of happiness. I can be very sad about not seeing my friends and family, not gathering in our program with hugs and physical connection. Or… I can reframe this to see the opportunities for happiness within the experience.
• Because I am home more, I get the opportunity to spend more time with my daughter.
• Because I am home more, I get to experiment with cooking and create some “new” meals for us.
• I get to learn new ways to communicate with my family, it makes me happy to face time with my parents in Florida to really see how they are doing.
• I get to “see” more women than ever in our connection zoom calls without leaving my home.
• I get to create opportunities for women to connect and support each other.
• I get to learn a new skill as a “Zoomer.”
• I get to have a Zoom seder with more extended family together than would be possible if we were sitting around a table.
Through this experience, I am really learning that I get to choose to be happy. And I get to choose this over and over and over again. I am so grateful for the Family of Women for giving me the tools to find happiness in our changing world. I found a quote which illustrates this to me. “Seeking happiness outside ourselves is like waiting for sunshine in a cave facing north” ~~ unknown
~Submitted by Laura G., Massachusetts
3 Comments. Leave new
I love this! Congratulations on a very successful video Connection of the women of Destiny’s Journey Chapter. The hats are delightful. You ROCK!
Laura, thank you for sharing your happiness experience. Your happiness is apparent!
Just reading this now, Miss Laura G! Great message … and those hats … a fun chapter meeting!!! Thanks for your message … Loved the Happiness cycle … thanks Cathy F!