I felt I had won the lottery when I got a cart at Walmart that had 4 wheels that actually worked! All 4 were in alignment and rolled properly! Woo hoo! Yet, I had to stop and laugh at myself. Really? I was this happy about a cart in Walmart?
Yep. I WAS happy about the cart in Walmart. Having a good cart meant that my time in Walmart would be better. Better because I could maneuver easier throughout the store. And, my arms and legs wouldn’t be sore trying to steer a wobbly cart! Happiness comes in all forms, shapes and sizes.
Shopping in Walmart would bring the same result regardless of my cart. But, one trip was more enjoyable than the other. Can the Walmart cart story apply to other areas of our lives? Absolutely! The journey to reach the result can be a good journey or a bad journey. The end result will be the same. I can decide how the journey looks and if I will be happy throughout the journey!
These are the things that I learned about happiness from a Walmart cart:
1. Maybe it’s not about the happy ending. Maybe it’s about the journey.
2. Happiness is defined as a state of well-being and contentment. Are you content and happy?
3. Do you think you will be happy when you reach a goal or a destination? Do you say these things listed below?
- I’ll be happy when I make a six figure salary.
- I’ll be happy when I have more friends.
- I’ll be happy when I buy those shoes.
I’ve discovered that if you think happiness is around the corner when you reach a goal, then you really won’t be happy when the goal is reached. Let me repeat that – you will not be happy when you reach the goal if you weren’t happy along the way!
4. Deciding to be happy is a skill that can be learned. You must make a conscious decision to be happy where you are now. Enjoy the moment. Start with being happy with one moment in time, then move to being happy during one activity, then one day. Maybe you are happy eating an ice cream cone. Start small, just start!
5. You can’t be happy every day, all day. How you respond to life’s setbacks will define who you are.
6. Enjoy the little things. Enjoy a good hair day, a good brownie, or maybe a great afternoon with friends! I believe that happiness is about the little things –
Don’t wait for happiness. And certainly don’t expect a person or goal to make you happy! Happiness comes from within and is a sense of well-being and contentment. You can be happy if you choose to be happy!
What makes you happy? Share your story of happiness with me. I would love to know what makes you happy!
Best,
Kathleen
