Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Finding Happiness

I used to wonder in my 20s and 30s when I would finally get to the day when I would say I had arrived at happy or as I now see it what I was looking for was contentment. Like one day it is just going to change and the angels would sing. I am not sure what I was expecting to happen to bring me to this place. As I have gotten older into my 40s, something happened that changed how I look at things. 



I stopped looking outward and starting looking inward. I had to determine my own happiness. It wasn't going to arrive like a package and it certainly couldn't be bought. I had to "grow where I was planted" and decide to be happy". I always enjoyed life but I would let the daily struggles get me down instead of looking at them as the blessings they are. I still tell remind myself and the kids that thankfulness makes even the worst tasks easier. (Except picking up dog poop). I still mumble things under my breath when I have to do that chore.
I really just focused inside our home and on the family. 



No comparing to others, wishing my car was newer. Just down to basics. Make good meals for the family, take care of my home and what I already have, make memories with the kids. My mom was always so satisfied with her simple life. Never wanted more than she had. I feel I am finally at that place. Maybe it comes with age. That is a blessing about getting a little older. You know what counts. Today it has been hot, so I stayed inside and spruced up my kitchen until it sparkled. That feeling, to me anyway, is worth more than any new thing I could buy or place I could run off to. I am happy here with what I have. 


I put in my profile for this blog that I was striving for contentment in the simple things. Blogging has helped me to be so thankful for what I do have and not what I don't. Others may wish they were this or that, but other than sewing envy I have of some of my favorite bloggers or artistic talents I know I will never achieve (you know who you are), I just appreciate what you all share with me everyday and the friendly comments I so look forward to. With a thankful heart...
Elaine

40 comments:

  1. what a beauitful post so honest and open.Wise words,,

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  2. Yep, it does take time, to make a person look at the simple things and appreciate what they have, rather than wishing for something that really doesn't mean a thing.

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  3. You have very artfully folded and draped that tea towel. What could be simpler than that? :-)

    RED AND YELLOW LULLABY

    Red is the color of cherries, not cheese;
    Yellow the backs of the sweet honeybees;

    Red the fair hair of the Derry Town maid;
    Yellow the yolk of the brown egg fresh-laid;

    Red are the wounds of the sun going down;
    Yellow the daisies beloved by the clown;

    Rainbows of colors, delighting the eye—
    Yellow and scarlet for this lullaby.


    © 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

    Red and Yellow Rooster

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  4. You are a very wise woman, Elaine. This is why I love your blog so much: you have a sincere voice, and you revel in the small things in life.

    I wish we were neighbors!!!! Are you sure you don't want to move to Alabama? ;P

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  5. Contentment is so hard to find....it comes but can so easily be swayed away. After being diagnosed, I now look at "things" a little differently...enjoying immensely what I have been blessed with. It is nice to hear you think that way....I love blogging, but it can be hard to see all the pretty things others have, and knowing I will not be able to have it....so then, I try to go back to being thankful for what I do have.

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  6. This is a great post :) It's such a wonderful feeling when you can find contentment in the simplest things. I just finished reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin in which she talks about her journey towards happiness & her role in deciding she was happy (not just waiting for it). It's so wonderful to read that others are kindred spirits in seeing that life is truly beautiful in every way for as long as we choose to see it that way (making us happier in the long run). Best wishes!

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  7. I love this post. The message is so simple yet very heart warming. Thank you Elaine.

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  8. Elaine, you have written this message with such eloquence! I found myself shaking my head in agreement with every word. I turned 51 in March. I have always been a very happy person. But something has happened in my life in the past 5 or so years. I feel like I have come into my own.
    See there....you arrived even earlier than I did!!!
    LOVED this post!!!!
    Kris

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  9. It seems like we have so much in common. Recently I started blogging about how to find the good life. Sometimes it's hard not to complain, but staying positive does make almost any task better. Happy Rednesday from Buddhatropolis.com

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  10. Glad you had a fun trip to the Central Coast. We have something in common. I like gooey pancakes too! Weird, I know. And the older I get the more I know that you have to decide to be happy. So true. Mimi

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  11. This is why I love your blog. Your attitude, your fun, your keeping it simple.

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  12. What a wonderful post. Such wise words, ones we all need to write on our hearts. I love a sparkling clean kitchen. It's funny how order can make our lives make a little more sense.

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  13. Forgot to tell you that my new blog header is a picture of Baby Bee and Worker Bee at Cayucos! My FAVORITE beach! It's from about 7 years ago and it was her first time at the beach. Thought you might enjoy that little tidbit. :)

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  14. Oh yes I know exactly how you feel, some times it is hard to not let the obstacles get in my way, but once I remind myself to be thankful it all feels so good. oxox, Diane

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  15. Such wonderful words of wisdom in a very inspirting post. Thanks so much for sharing your throughts with us.

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  16. I think you're right. I think age has a lot to do with it. Realizing that while we may not "have it all" having what we need is much more important. I think this is why as we get older, life gets simpler. Kids grow up, become more self sufficient, allowing us time to enjoy the simpler quiet times.

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  17. I think age gives us insight for sure I always say I would go back to my 20's anytime if I could take all my knowlege with me. Great post.
    Cathy

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  18. I love this post, you're absolutely right. I also ran around in my 20's and 30's looking outward for happiness-moving to various cities, working in a demanding/stressful industry thinking that I would arrive someday! Then I stopped mid-career to have a family, and you know what-I'm my happiest.
    I've found friends with similar interests, and avoid those who are competitive and materialistic. Just wish I had this understanding when I was younger!!! Great post-thanks!
    -Lynn

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  19. Oh, one more comment-I read "The Geography of Bliss", it's about what makes people happy in various parts of the world. One of my favorite books.I keep it in my night stand and re-read it every so often.
    -Lynn

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  20. Time makes a big difference in our outlook and feelings. Just remember, most times, our lives are what we make them. It will all hit you one day when you ealizze just how fortunate and blessed you are. Life will never be bed of roses for any of us.

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  21. Lovely post! Many years ago I developed the philosophy "It is what it is". I have to say I have angered some, because I refuse to get work up over much. It just takes to much negative energy and usually causes more aggravation in the long run. I think you have your priorities straight. Hugs! Bonnie

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  22. What a sweet post. I agree! Stop by and link up--
    Mary

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  23. Beautiful written words from your heart and 100% true...
    Thank you,
    Madi and Mom

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  24. One of my favorite quotes is "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." -A. Lincoln. The realization that life is good and that you have everything you need to be happy right inside yourself..... contentment is good.

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  25. I love that you mentioned blogging has helped with the process. I find the same is true for me - taking the time to write & reflect allows me to look at things more deeply, find the life lessons, and grow in wisdom & contentment. Great perspective on finding happiness!

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  26. I think age was the biggest factor in feeling like I have finally arrived at what I was striving for. I see myself as being okay just like I am, I have changed what I can, like my weight and I have chosen not to change some things, like my greying hair and I have accepted what I cannot change, like living so far away from my youngest grandchildren and my husband poor health.
    Like you, I think blogging has helped me in this, too!
    It is a wonderful thing to love life just as it is and be grateful for every little thing.
    I really like your philosophy, you sound like a woman that I could be very good friends with if we lived close!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  27. Beautiful post! As I get older, I'm finally getting it!

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  28. This is a great post, Elaine!
    Thank you for linking to LACE today.
    You are so right..learning to be thankful for the small daily things of life makes for a contented heart.
    Your mother has passed on a wonderful legacy to you.
    Thank you for being an inspiration and encouragement to the rest of us!
    I'm blessed by your words and blogging friendship.
    love in Jesus..Trish

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  29. There is something so attractive about a woman satisfied with her life. Your mother was a great example. I hope to leave that legacy with my children.

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  30. Beautifully written! And beautiful photos, too!

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  31. Hi Elaine,
    getting older definately helped me find contentment in myself and in my life. I like to list all the things I have done and can do in my daily life....right down to making the bed and doing the dishes... this gives me a sense of achievment. Being artistic has no boundries and putting a pretty towel on show or a vase of flowers on the table IS creative and artistic.
    Deciding what to wear is art in action.
    God Bless
    Barb from Australia

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  32. I love your blog - it speaks to my heart. I love your photos and your words. Hugs, Patti

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  33. Great post & I love the pictures too! Thanks for linking to the party at Share the Love Wednesday!
    Mary

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  34. I love this post! Some people never figure out the happy thing. Being content with what we have and not comparing ourselves to others is key.
    Beautiful photos and beautiful words--straight from the heart. Thank you. ~Delores

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  35. You have such a great blog! I'm a new follower :)

    http://daisygirlproductions.blogspot.com/

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  36. In my 20s, I spent my time striving after other peoples' standards for me and even if I achieved them, I wasn't particularly happy. My early 40s were dark thinking about time wasted and short time ahead. But now in my 50s, I'm truly happy, I do what I want and control what I can control and what I can't control, I give to God to handle because even thinking about it is beyond my paygrade.

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  37. You know mom I don't think I ever tell you how awesome you really are. I know we butt heads and argue, but you're my inspiration to work so hard and reading your writing...kind of chokes me up sometimes. Thank you for always trying to teach me to be content and thankful for everything (even nursing school)You are the best.
    ~Audrey

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