Decide To Be Happy – No Matter What

I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances. ~ Martha Washington ~

Everyone has bad days but an off day or even a string of off days is not a reason to take this wonderful gift of life that we’ve been given and turn it into a brooding, miserable existence. I do not understand why anyone would choose to live that way when they could just as easily choose to be happy.

Have you ever noticed how some people can walk into a room, or show up at a gathering and bring so much negative energy with them, that they literally snatch the joy right out of the place? Just because they showed up? Their negative vibes are powerful enough to touch every thing around them – people, plants, and animals included.

I’m sure you know at least one. I’ve met several over the years.

Guarding your joy is a Divine responsibility

Almost everyone I know has that one relative. An aunt, uncle or cousin who seems hell-bent on making everyone hate them. Whenever they show up, everyone in the family expects that person to be rude, disagreeable and unpleasant. Rarely do they disappoint. You have to be protective of your own mental state when you’re around them because negative people will bring out the worst in you if you’re not paying attention. One minute everything is lovely, the next minute you find yourself wanting to curse them out (or actually doing it) and wondering what happened to your good mood.

In my case, this relative is so mean and miserable that I almost feel sorry for him… but, I don’t. My sympathy is reserved for those who need it. He doesn’t. He needs something a lot more powerful than pity. He needs my love and prayers. So I pray – that one day he will choose to be happy. Maybe then, he will take the steps needed to lift himself up and out of that misery. If that doesn’t happen then I hope he at least realizes he is miserable – by choice.

By the grace of God, we have the freedom to choose what we allow and who we allow entry into our hearts and/or minds. I prefer peace, love, and joy.