the zeitgeist of zoe

This experience

Has it been thirty days already? What fun it has been giving thought to the things that make me smile each and every day, and sharing them with you : )

And, as usual, I learned a few things along the way too:

1. There really is at least one thing to be happy about in each day…even when you are pretty convinced it is the worst day ever. So seek out the happy stuff that is all around you…I promise you, it is there.

2. It’s usually the simplest things that bring the most joy.

3. Happiness is a decision. You can look at the events of each day any way you’d like, but if you choose to frame the “good” things as blessings and the “bad” things as lessons…and maintain a sense of gratitude for both…you’ll be a much happier person.

4. Sometimes the people around you won’t like the fact that you are so happy. Water seeks its own level, and if your friends, family, co-workers, whatever aren’t happy themselves, they may become discouraging, poke fun at your glee or be downright snarky at you in order to bring you back down to their level. Don’t let ’em.

5. Only you can make you happy. Don’t rely on external sources for it; look within.

6. In the equation of X = Happiness, X = whateverthefuckyouwant.
In other words, happiness is different things to different people. Find what makes you happy and then do it. A lot.

7. You can’t force it. If you run around chasing happiness you’ll only piss yourself off. Relax. Breathe. Be open to it. Trust me, it’ll find you.

8. Happiness makes you feel younger and look prettier. I’m totally serious. If you think I’m making that up, go stand in front of your bathroom mirror and frown. Then think of something that warms your heart and smile. See?

9. There is no “key” to happiness. Happiness is a door that is always open. But you’ll never see it if you keep staring at the shit in front of you that’s closed.

And finally…

10. A man once said to the Buddha, “I want happiness”. The Buddha replied, “First remove ‘I’, for that is ego. Then remove ‘want’ for that is desire. And now all you are left with is happiness.”

True dat!

Thank you for sharing the past thirty days with me…I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.