Happiness right now

Here's a reminder: even if the past was painful or the future is daunting, it doesn't mean the present moment is ruined.

I laughed listening to a podcast in which Dr Jeremy Goldberg says "Just because Mercury is in Gatorade doesn't mean you get a free pass to be miserable." But that is probably the most eloquent (millennial) way of saying who you are does not depend on external circumstances or even internal emotions.

There is always a choice in how you respond. Why not choose happiness over heartbreak right now? You might have been betrayed yesterday and you might be worried you'll never love again - but right now, in this moment, you can allow yourself a little peace and joy.

Why not choose compassion instead of blame? You lost your job. Instead of blame, just chalk it up to not being a good fit and treating yourself with kindness as you remember you are not your job. You might feel a lot of fear about what's next. Allow for the possibility that what's next might blow what you had right out of the water. If you believe the best is yet to come, how would that change this moment right now?

Try patience instead of anger. So your kid is taking forever finishing breakfast. You're thinking of all the worst case scenarios that all end in being gloriously late for school and work. Why not take a few deep breaths and smile at the little human whose spirit has not been so broken that they prioritize finishing tasks over daydreaming? You might even learn something if you pay close enough attention.

I know - it's so hard at first. It takes time and practice and a lot of self control! But it's possible. And then you get to wake up feeling great about who you are and no longer need to unleash your wrath upon the world. Choose the life you want. Choose who you want to be. And then work at it every chance you get.