aaaahhhh, that's better....

Know that old phrase, 'when momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy?" True, True, True! It's a viscious cycle... momma's happiness hinges on good behavior from the troops, and good behavior from the troops... hinges on momma's attitude. When I finally hit rock bottom, a very wise man named Tom helped me bounce back up (thanks Whitney & Dr. August!). I could type for days on what he said... but here are the two big morsels:

Don't be Happy! "Happy" is an easy word that conjurs up visions of 5 year olds at Christmas time. Happy is far too simple of an adjective to describe the complexity of adult life. If you try to make yourself 'happy' you're never going to get there because life is too dang complicated. Strive for 'satisfied' Are you satisfied with the way things are turning out? If not, focus on what it takes to satisfy you, not just make you happy.

Look forward! I've wallered a little bit in the trap of 'my life isn't as happy as I remember it being years ago.' (duh, welcome to complex!!) Well, it's not the most healthy attitued to find a spot in the past and strive to be there again. Instead, foresee yourself at a place in the future where you're satisfied. Strive to take yourself to that place. Don't spend your energy moving backward... push forward.

Now, I'm not an expert. I'm just passing on expert advice that really slapped me in the head when I needed it. Life, life is too short to spend it pouting. So... I'm looking forward, and I've taken happy out of my roladex. I'm a grown up, with grown up problems, and grown up solutions. And, proud to say... satisfied.