Stories of Kindness from Around the World

No Better Time Than Now To Be Happy


--by warmth, posted Jan 1, 2010

"We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married,
have a baby, then another. Then we're frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We'll certainly be happy when they're out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not
now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with...and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have
kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you
retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday
night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you're off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until
your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you're born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy.

“Happiness is a journey, not a destination” 

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Readers Comments

Veronica wrote: Thank you sooooooooooo much for sharing this! It truly touched my heart:)
Jha wrote: Everyday, i hear stories of desperation and frustration from different people i meet, it appears like people has no contentment as well as me. With this article it really enlightens my mind and filled my spirit to pursue life with gladness in any situation i have. Thank you for sharing this article. I will let my officemates and friends know about this to spread the happiness to every individual.

May god bless you and continue to encourage people.
Ashok Jindal wrote: " . There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. " really an eye opener.

Thanks
Kendrastubear wrote: I loved this piece so much that i posted on my facebook page. I am hoping it will make others more aware of this fantastic site and the smile cards.
springerchick wrote: Live life, laugh, love, there's no better time than now! Happy new year everybody!
bcbacon84 wrote: Thank you for elequently putting priorities into perspective. This summer, i found myself randomly smiling and appreciating my life. It is a gift to love your life. When you love your life, you love others!
cabbage wrote: Wow. That is so well put! I do try to live my life with no regrets, and feel happy in the moments that make up my day. Lots of love and hugs to you, and gratitude for sharing this wonderful post!
athens wrote: I love it. I needed to read this.
NanaLisa wrote: The past is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but this moment is a gift thats why we call it the present :)
Jaya wrote: Excellent. Simply amazing thought. Keep it up warmth.

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