Happiness Is A Practice
This past summer, I listed my car for sale. After nearly 2 months, I finally had a real buyer and a solid offer. The morning the buyer was picking up my car, I was in top form. I woke up early, went for a long walk, meditated, got SO many work things off the to do list before 9am, and even printed a super-professional contract for the buyer to sign when he arrived.
He texted that he was outside, and I headed downstairs to pull out my car and drive it to the front of the building. As I pulled out my car, I smashed it into the partition between the parking spots, leaving a significant scratch and dent, and knocking my side mirror right off my car, leaving it smashed.
I was beside myself. In seconds, I went from 0 to 100, and needless to say my super power morning, dissipated in seconds.
I was so upset with myself over this oversight, that I completely lost sight of the sale. I didn’t even try to revive it. There was no rational thinking or tactfulness. I definitely could’ve pulled it together and offered a discounted deal. But instead, I immediately got mad at myself, went from a successful and accomplished morning mindset to one of complete disappointment in myself.
Like, chill.
After a little time, and a big cry, I started to realize how ridiculous this whole scenario was.I had allowed this whole fiasco ruin most of my day, affect a sale, and take down my mood.
I took some time in the afternoon for a long walk, sat in the park and grounded myself, and spent some time chatting with friends - lifting my mood and shifting the energy of the day.
Happiness is a practice. We are human, and things happen in our day that sometimes work to shake it up and shift our energies into a place of disalignment.
I made the change I felt I needed in my day, to turn it around to a positive:
I said “oh, and let it go”: I had a cry, then I shook it off with a long walk and some time with uplifting friends
I stayed in the moment versus going over and over how I could’ve avoided making such a silly error. Studies show that people who focus on seeking pleasure in the moment are happier than those who are focused on the past. And those that take the time to notice more of the small things and enjoy the simple pleasures of life are happier and often more productive.
I pushed forward, moved on, and stayed present. Being Present means being fully conscious of the moment and free from the noise of internal dialogue. It's often associated with feelings of stillness and peace.
So, if you are finding you are being a little too hard on yourself today - shake it off. Take the moment you need to, then say OH, and LET IT GO. By letting a moment ruin your whole day (or longer!) you are giving up your power and your right for a happy existence.