My other colleague was the polar opposite of the first. Although she was a good person with good intentions, she carried a bitter, negative, and hostile energy. Nothing was ever good enough, and she was always searching for anything that would “make” her happy. In her mind, her husband was a jerk, her daughter married a loser, her grandchildren were brats, her job was horrible, her boss was mean, and her life was dreary. It was exhausting and draining to listen to her for 5 minutes.

These two women were pretty much the same: same age, same financial background, same job, same issues with children and daily living. How could two ladies with the same backgrounds have such different attitudes about life? Simple. One of them CHOSE to be happy.

Deepak Chopra explains happiness in this way: “The key to lasting happiness is to stop looking for it and to know you already have it. If you think it’s around the corner, then you will keep turning corners. True happiness comes from within.”

People are always looking for ways to feel happy - a new car, a new love interest, a baby, a trip to Europe. These are all wonderful things and part of the human experience, but we can never find true inner happiness through personal relationships or attaining objects. Chopra further explains, “Inner joy is independent of the situation, circumstance, people, or things. When you experience inner joy, you are happy for NO REASON. Just the mere fact of being alive to gaze at the stars, to experience the beauty of the world, to be experientially alive in the miracle of life itself is your happiness.”

With that in mind, I plan on working more on myself this year. I want to reconnect to what makes me feel fulfilled and happy; I want to connect to that spark of inner joy. I plan on expanding my inner happiness and want to share my joy with everyone I encounter. So just how do I plan to do this? A few ways, actually….

*This year, I will sparkle, sparkle, and sparkle.
I will smile more; I will take time to show more love and compassion. I realize that of all of the things I wear, my expression is the most important! I will smile and share warmth and love to my neighbors and friends. If I feel good, grateful, and blessed, the people around me will as well!

*This year, I will practice having an attitude of gratitude.
I will start the day thanking God for my many blessings. I will be aware that the “problems” I encounter are lessons and opportunities for me to grow spiritually. I will bless the hard times and know I will learn from them. I will appreciate the good times even more than ever!!!

*This year, I will help my fellow man more.
Mark Twain once said, “The best way to cheer you up is to try and cheer someone else up.” I will go out my way each day to serve others. I will listen more and talk less. I will find ways to help as many people as possible. I will strive to love without judgment or expectation.

*This year, I will work harder on my relationship with God.
For some folks, this might include attending church or a spiritual ceremony. For others, it might be exploring mediation, spiritual classes or other rituals. Perhaps it’s associating with a group of like-minded individuals. I plan on participating in meaningful activities that will bring me closer to Source.

*This year, I will practice mindfulness more frequently.
I will spend more time in the present moment, and not worry about the future or rehash the past. The present is truly all we are promised. I will savor and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

*This year, I will choose happiness.
Even when things are out of my control, I know that I control my reactions to every situation. I will choose to be happy and joyful, regardless of what is going on around me. I know that the only thing constant in life is change. I will embrace change and look forward to learning more about myself as I grow and evolve. 2009 approaches and it’s YOUR time to shine….

We all are living in the same economy….we all have issues to deal with, problems to solve, and decisions to make. Regardless of what life throws you in 2009, you have the option to be happy and live joyfully each day. I choose happiness and joy this year. I hope that you do also!

Blessings, Serena