Happiness in an Imperfect Life

What are you choosing to do with each individual day in your life? I know many people who are goal oriented and are very purposeful. They know what they want, or what they want to change, and they are going after it. I also know other people who believe in visualizing what you want and really focusing on your dreams. Both groups can fall into the same trap. They can get so focused on where they're going that they don't enjoy the now.

Yes, it is important to have dreams and to work toward your dreams and goals. But looking toward something new doesn't mean you can't be happy right now.

Are you looking to get out of debt and end your financial struggles?
Do you want a closer and more loving relationship with your significant other?
Is a new career or a promotion on the horizon?

Those are all great places to go. But I ask you this...

Did you have a happy moment today?
Have you had the chance to catch up with a good friend recently?
What joyful moments have you experienced lately?

Did you take the time to enjoy them? Did you soak up the happiness?

I know when our family finances haven't been what was exactly comfortable it was easy to get caught up in the stress of paying bills or "trying to fix things". But what we learned was that you can still choose to be happy, even when some aspect of your life isn't what you want it to be.

So I ask you - are you choosing to be happy? Are you choosing to enjoy your life right now? If you are struggling with this, a useful tool is a gratitude journal. Just take a journal, notebook or some paper and each day (preferably first thing in the morning and last thing at night) write down 3 things you are grateful for FROM THAT DAY.

As you continue this excercise you will see the good and focus on the things that make you happy. This focus will expand your happiness and you can choose to enjoy those moments and increase the happiness in your life - right now.