“It isn't what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Dale Carnegie When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
That's another way to think about these words from Dale Carnegie. The self-improvement specialist started his business in 1912, way ahead of his time. Maybe, you've taken a course of his - or know someone who did.
This week and, I believe, all holidays can be a mixed bag of emotions. There is the happiness of bringing families together. There can be sadness in thinking of those no longer able to join you on special occasions.We can do something about how we react to these situations, but its also OK to acknowledge when things are bothering us or have a good cry.
I recall during my first couple of jobs at the start of my career, I thought that if I could get this job or work here or somewhere else I'd be happier.
You know as well as I do... it doesn't work that way.
While in Pierre, South Dakota I went through a stretch where each resume sent out came back with a "rejected" stamp on it.
It was discouraging. Then one Sunday I heard this verse from Philippians 4:11:
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
For us, that state became South Dakota... kind of an inside joke as we waited for the next job to appear on the horizon. I knew of course, that the verse wasn't speaking location, but situation (as Dale Carnegie would do nearly a couple thousand years later) and it certainly rang true for me.
(For my South Dakota friends, it wasn't so much that we disliked living there, it was a desire to get back toward Wisconsin. There are many great people in South Dakota it was my pleasure to work with and get to know. We very much enjoyed Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre. It just felt like time to head back towards home.)
We can't will ourselves or move ourselves into happiness. Just learning to appreciate the blessings around us and see past the things we take for granted each day... will help put us in a happier altitude and attitude.
Now that's a good place to move!
Happy Thanksgiving!
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