Carpe Diem

"Happiness is not measured by what you hold in your hand but by what you hold in your heart." author unknown

How do you measure happiness?!  Is it receiving a special gift? Is it getting the job you desired? Is it simply playing in the rain with a little one? Or could it be just having a sense of peace within; that all is right in your world at this moment in time. If we allow ourselves to look deeper than materialistic things we will see that the happiness we so desire is found in the little events happening all around us each day. We must slow down to pay attention or we will miss the little whispers of such events. The question is, will we be still and quiet long enough to enjoy it?
Happiness is not always measured in materialistic things. Sometimes its just the simple pleasure of having peace of mind. There can be happiness in the way the sun falls through the trees or shines on your face. There can be happiness in the way a child shows their excitement to see you. There can be happiness in the way sand feels between your toes walking on a beach barefoot. Happiness can be found in precious memories of an event or time spent with a loved one. No matter how you measure happiness know that for each of us our true happiness is measured differently.
What we should not do is tie our happiness to what others do/say or we will always be in their control. What a bleak existence that would be!! Now, I'm not talking about when in a relationship how that person makes you feel. That is a natural response. But in the end we alone are ultimately responsible for our own happiness. If we are always relying on others to make us happy then we need to look deep inside to find what blocks us from accomplishing our own happiness. Looking for what is stopping us from defining who we are or what makes us happy without another's input and changing our journey. Life is not a dress rehearsal we only get one shot at it. Make the most of who you are and who God intended for you to be. Misery is not an option folks! When we die I believe God will ask us "did you enjoy everything I gave you, both good and bad?" I want to be able to say yes to both. Because without bad we would know no good & vise versa.
The key to success is to have a willingness to chase the very happiness we desire with courage and strength. Carpe diem (seize the moment)!!
As always please keep the men and woman of all branches of military in your prayers for a safe return  one day soon as they are out there protecting our HEALTHY FREEDOMS her at home. God Bless.