by Ann Darwicki, RN, CPC
I was barely out of dreamland, and my first conscious thought was reminding me to transfer money so my husband could get gas on his way to work. (Needless to say, thoughts like this rarely start my day on a happy note; instead, they frequently give me a headache and leave me irritable.) I laid in bed a minute longer before reaching for my phone to make the transfer. I love the modern joy of always being connected…not!
That short delay was enough time for a song to come on the radio about being happy, that happiness is our truth. I will tell you, I do believe that wholeheartedly. I believe at our core we are love and joy. However, when it comes to applying that belief and living my life that way every minute of every day, let’s just say there’s plenty of room for improvement.
I then thought of all the times in my life that I have said, “I will be happy when I can make ‘X’ amount of money, pay all my bills, live in a beautiful home, have time to myself, lose weight, go on my dream vacation.” I am fortunate enough to say that all of those expectations have been met. Yet there I was, with all that I desired, and yet I knew I didn’t feel happy.
So if I know at a core level that I am happy and happiness is the way, what gives? After some thought, I realized that I had replaced that initial list with a litany of new reasons that start with the statement, “I can’t be happy until…” Still, deep down I knew that I can choose to feel happiness at any time; I had done it before.
Have you ever been in a really bad mood and then something awesome happens, and you instantly feel happy and giddy? You forget all about your previous bad mood or, if you do remember, it doesn’t seem quite so terrible anymore.
On this occasion, I thought about the work I do with autistic children who have developmental disabilities. They tend to walk around always smiling, always happy. They sing with abandon, unconcerned with other people’s judgements of them. Many feel pity for them for not having a “normal life,” but I wonder: “Who really are the ones with the handicap; who should be pitied?” How many of us walk around always smiling, always happy, singing with abandon, being our uninhibited selves, unconcerned of others’ judgements?
We have a lot to learn from these children.
I am always ready to learn. Now when the question comes to me, “When is a good time to be happy?” I have my answer, my truth. Today is a good day to be happy, in this moment right now!
Ann Darwicki, RN is a Certified Professional Life Coach who completed her training at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She is the owner and founder of Whole Being Coaching, specializing in coaching others to live the life of their dreams. Prior to becoming a life coach, Ann obtained as Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Delaware Technical and Community College. She has 25 years of nursing experience caring for women and children, with a lifelong affinity for holistic medicine. She is a Reiki practitioner and Nurse Luminary. She is also a freelance writer. She can be reached at 302-750-0574 or by email at adarwicki@comcast.net.