Can you describe a moment of pure joy or a “perfect day?” This essay will explore how attitude, environment, and role models contribute to joy, happiness, and passion.
The theme for August has been joy, happiness, and passion. I started with an essay titled “The Perfect Day,” looking at the good things that make life worth living and help us see hope and a better tomorrow. Happiness can be a momentary emotion or become a part of our fabric, more of a lasting feeling. We all know someone who seems to be happy all the time. Of course, they have life issues just like all of us, but they seem to maintain a mood of joy and happiness through their challenges and setbacks. We all want that.
Life is not necessarily easy, but we have a lot of control if we decide to take that control. It’s a matter of learning how to take control or what direction to take. It is a learning process. Over the last few months, I have discussed well-being, quality of life, and setting goals. These discussions have emphasized taking responsibility for your life. The essays have focused on living in the present moment and practicing gratitude, and lessons on finding the quietness in yourself and your surroundings through mindfulness, meditation, or enjoying nature.
External forces can affect our happiness, but strategies exist to combat these forces. Remember, you have the power to choose your path. You have the power to choose your attitude. This power of choice is your greatest tool in shaping your own happiness and fulfillment.
“The secret ingredient to true happiness? Decisive optimism and personal responsibility.
– Amy Leigh Mercree
The Role of Environment
Our environment has a significant effect on our outlook, our attitude, and our mood. It is hard to escape those negative emotions if you live in a negative environment. I would tell you just to remove yourself from that environment, but that’s not how life works. Years ago, I went to the doctor, and my blood pressure was high, and I was stressed out. The doctor looked at me and said you must get rid of some of the stress. I said fine; you tell me what to get rid of. I’m a recently divorced single parent of a rambunctious boy going into kindergarten. My mother is critically ill, and I’ve been responsible for her well-being since my father walked out. I have to work because I have to support all of us. My job is demanding and requires me to keep learning new skills. I have health problems. Please, doctor, tell me how I get rid of those stressors.
There is no perfect environment, but again, we have some control. Be mindful of the people you choose to let into your circle. Surround yourselves with positivity; seek people who are optimistic and engaging. Limit negative influences and reduce exposure to negative news or social media. Noticing your environment is the first step. Then, set forward with a plan to improve your environment.
The Power of Attitude- Reframe Your Thoughts
We all have those challenges, dark days, and setbacks in our lives with which we must deal. There are some things that we can change in our environment. The best place to start is with yourself. This is where you have great control. You can change how you look at the things around you and how you react to these challenges.
A lot of it is based on your outlook or your attitude. You can choose to have a brighter attitude. You may need to learn to control those negative thoughts. Stop yourself when you go there and change your thinking to more positive thoughts. Or you could do a more positive activity that uplifts you, changing the track of your thoughts.
Life is like a roller coaster. Sometimes it’s perfect, and we go up and up, and life looks rosy and sunny, and we’re excited. Then there are those days and sometimes months when the roller coaster goes straight down, and sometimes people hit rock bottom. But most of the time, the roller coaster swings up, and we stay stable for a while. We know we will ride this roller coaster throughout our lives; it is just how life is.
Your inner voice can impact your attitude. There is a significant difference between “I have to go to work” and “I get to go to work.” What you say to yourself is important. You can be your worst critic or your best motivator. Be mindful of your internal dialogue.
Practical Strategies
The question becomes, how do we embrace the good parts? Are we practicing gratitude where we appreciate what we have on this day and at this moment? It’s a beautiful, sunny day. You have loved ones around you, a nice home, and food in your refrigerator. Do you have a car to take you where you need to go, perhaps to a job? This focus on gratitude can fill your heart with a sense of appreciation and joy, making you more aware of the good in your life.
We need to learn to be grateful for what we have. This is where we start building our perfect day. Again, not all days may be ideal, but you can find the good in each day. Are you doing activities you love with people you love? Be aware of the present moment. That is where we see what we are grateful for, where we find happiness and joy. Our lives happen in the present moment; our past is yesterday, which is our memories, and our future is tomorrow. That is our imagination, as it does not exist yet. Live for today! Plan for tomorrow.
Another problem is that our perception of happiness and joy will evolve as we age. Depending on your age, what you value in life changes. If you are a child, it is play; for a young person, it might be friends or first loves. As we move into our 20s and 30s, our focus could be on education, career, and relationships. Life looks different in our golden years at 50+, and where we find joy, happiness, and passion has changed. Of course, some aspects of our desires stay the same, but you see them through different eyes at different ages.
I have written about happiness and how we can find happiness and joy. Changes in our lifestyles and habits can make a difference. About 40% of our actions can affect or influence our happiness levels. Learning to balance our lives and practice moderation can also contribute to happiness.
In embracing appreciation into your daily life, take an inventory. I have hobbies I am passionate about and a job that provides a true mission with meaning in my life. What brings meaning to your day? What is truly important?
One more piece of advice: find role models. People who become an idol of our future selves. Someone living life well and finding meaning, joy, happiness, and passion. You can spot these people as they seem to glow with delight. It could be a person in your life, a religious leader, a public figure, or a historical figure. Benjamin Franklin is one of my role models. He lived a balanced life based on thirteen virtues and was highly productive and socially active. He was a founding father in the Declaration’s draft of Independence in 1776. He was an inventor and contributed scientific knowledge. Franklin also was a successful printer and publisher. His life was a testament to his belief in self-improvement, public service, and innovation. Seek these types of role models. Who do you want to be like when you grow up? By the way, I am still growing up.
What happens when you share your goals? Can other people help? by Linda L. Pilcher
Conclusion
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.”
Jim Rohn
In our pursuit of the perfect day, it becomes clear that joy and happiness are not just a destination but practices we cultivate through our choices and attitudes. Our ability to embrace each moment, regardless of challenges, defines our journey. Reflecting on our lives and the role models we admire; we can find inspiration and guidance on how to shape our paths. The power to design a life rich with joy and meaning lies within each of us.
What truly matters? Let this be a guide in defining your identity, your lifestyle, and habits. We design the life we want by the choices we make! All you have to do is empower yourself, take responsibility, and eliminate the excuses.
Know yourself. Self-improvement means you have to know yourself well. Identify what you want and how you will get to that destination. You will pave the journey through self-growth, determination, perseverance, and a vision of who you want to be tomorrow.
Take Responsibility – Zero Excuses
Below are the essays for August, in case you missed one.
The Perfect Day – Life on Your Own Terms
Live in the Present Moment To Embrace Joy & Happiness
The Power of Passion: Work, Play, Learn, and Create
Turning Passion into Purpose – The Power of Making a Difference
Creating Happiness: Your Guide to a Joyful Life
The Power of Achievement in Finding Happiness
September Blog
The theme for September is “What truly matters.” I will encourage you to ask yourself this question every morning. Then, pay attention to your day. Are your values and beliefs aligned with what truly matters? Are you living a life that is moving in a positive direction toward what is important?
The September essays will discuss health, money, wisdom, connection, age, and beauty. Please come along with me on this journey. My goal is to provide quotes, resource links, recommended reading, and discussions to help you think deeply about topics that matter the most.
Citations
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