Memorial Day is set aside for us to remember those who served, who fought for our freedoms, who fought to keep us safe, and for those who still fight for those same things.
But there are also other things to remember as well. For me, as I get older, I tend to spend time reminiscing about the things that brought me happiness through the years. My granddaughter's graduation reminded me of my own, of all the hopes and dreams a young person of 18 has for their adult life.
As you look back, do you feel you accomplished all you dreamed of?? I know that my own aspirations were loftier than what has been the reality. But that hasn't made me any less happy. Life will always be full of challenges and changes. It's how we react to those things that makes us who we are, and ultimately brings us the happiness we seek.
I've met people who have happiness as an end goal: as soon as I get this job, I'll be happy. As soon as I get married or have a family, I'll be happy. As soon as I'm out of debt, I'll be happy. The 'trick' to finding that happiness doesn't come when we reach a goal. It's the little things in our daily lives. They happen every day, and you must pay attention to those little things to experience that happiness.
Yesterday on the way to work, I saw an old GMC pickup from the 30's or 40's; the paint was a bit rusty, it wasn't all decked out to look new. It showed it's age and it brought a huge smile to my face. (I enjoy looking at old cars!) Two days ago, on my drive home from work, I saw a man riding a horse down the street (on the sidewalk) and that made me smile as well. If I had been concentrating on my job goals, or my life goals, I might have missed those little moments of joy. Don't let the big things get in the way of little moments of happiness!
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