In the movie entitled 'Yes Man', the actor played by Jim Carrey challenges himself to say YES for an entire year. It's a very funny movie and it drives home the point that by saying 'YES' more often we can expose ourselves to more joyful and fun experiences and make our lives richer and more full and hopefully more happy.
This story of happiness is from a friend of mine that lives here in Sayulita who is definitely a 'Yes Woman', yes I'm going to volunteer, yes I'm going to hit those big waves that are rolling in, yes I'm going to take that trip!, yes, yes, yes! I think it's by no coincidence that in general she is a very happy woman, and so I share her take on happiness with you.
We all have different ideas of what happiness means. For me, happiness is living simply, being present,
and feeling grateful for all the special moments and people in our lives.
The simplicity of life in Mexico makes it easier to be present and truly live in the moment. One of the reasons that we moved to Sayulita was to simplify our lives and to create the time to enjoy our children in their youth. Our lives are slower now and much more fulfilling. We have gotten rid of all the ”things” that we had acquired in our household. It was liberating to move down to Sayulita with 8 duffle bags. There is no commuting to work or to school, no traffic to sit in, our children are not over-scheduled with activities, our days are not filled with completing “to-do” lists. I am now much more present and tuned-in to all experiences and moments than I ever was in the past. I am grateful for this.
I think there is a direct correlation between living simply and being grateful. Recently, I came across this sign that I saw while walking down the street. It is a very simple, rustic sign with a poignant message. It said, “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So often we forget that our happiness depends on ourselves. Our thoughts and actions are the things that truly make us happy. I believe that feeling grateful for every little thing helps us to achieve great happiness. I saw an interview with Oprah a few years ago. The topic was the importance of having a grateful journal. The objective of the journal is to note at least 5 things each day that you are grateful for. I love this. The act of doing this helps us to focus on all the positive things in our life and how truly grateful we should feel for having these things, experiences, and/or people in our lives. I have yet to begin my own grateful journal but I know that I will soon. Most importantly, I will create journals for my sons. Learning this skill of feeling grateful on a daily basis will be invaluable to them.
There are little miracles and pockets of joy that occur each day in my life. These special
moments are the tings that make me happiest.
1. Watching my children play, smile and laugh
2. The kindness of a stranger helping me in a time of need
3. The smile of a child
4. The amazing beauty of sunrises and sunsets and how they are all so different
5. Food made with thoughtfulness and love.
6. The changing colors and moods of the ocean
7. Yoga- when I am in the zone and when I am not in the zone.
8. Listening to chickens, dogs, and the breeze blowing in the trees
9. Grateful for having honest, loyal, and kind-hearted friends
10. Grateful for the health and well-being of my family and friends.
11. BIG waves so I can surf my heart out.
I hope you feel inspired to shout out a big 'YES' today! 'YES' I'm going to take that class! 'YES' I'm going to drop everything and go take a road trip with my best friend. 'YES' I'll meet you for coffee! Step out of your box, shake off the procrastination and the excuses and just say 'YES'! I guarantee you, you'll be glad you did!..................Oh yeah, one more thing, please write me back and let me know how that worked for you! Have fun!
