On Gratitude from LM's friend

I believe with all my heart that my happiness is directly measured by my own sense of gratitude.  The more grateful I am, the greater my happiness seems to be and the greater my ability to succor others.  My lack of gratitude sucks at my ability to fill my own needs and leaves me quite incapable of serving the needs of others causing discouragement, discontentment and depression.  The more discouraged I am, the less organized, more chaotic and disgruntled I become.  I become so unhappy and wonder why, ……. only to realize how I have distanced myself from God.  I repent and begin (again and again) to recognize without His sweet spirit in my life, I become the “nothing” that encompasses my discouragement, discontentment and depression.  I (struggle to) begin to think of the happiness of others (and struggle again and again to) ignore my own unhappiness and find purpose in “doing for others” which begins to dissolve the feelings of discouragement, discontentment and depression.  I discover (again and again---I believe it is a cycle) that my sense of purpose and giving of myself seems to combat my strong sense of selfishness that displays itself as discouragement, discontentment and depression.  I find, for me, if I can always remember to serve quietly and regularly, I can stay on a fairly even keel striving for selflessness.    

 

Happiness is an attitude I want to choose everyday when I get up in the morning.  I can choose to be happy—to embrace it or reject it.  I may be simplistic, but it works ever so well for me.  Happiness IS an attitude of gratitude.

 

I am still working on the perfect recipe.  It is a continual life-long pursuit. 

From my friend TWS

I have read many of your comments and find them all fascinating.  I agree with many of you.  Look at nature around you and all your problems don't seem as big.  Exercise (something I'm not doing enough of lately), spend time with friends, read a good book, keep family close, take care of your spiritual side, etc. are all great ideas.  My take on one reason that women don't seem as happy is that as women, we are told we can have it all.  Some of us don't want it all and feel guilty because something must be wrong with us if we don't. Some of us try to have it all at once and it is very hard to do.  Something usually has to give, most of the time it is us.  I think that women can have it all if they choose to but not all at once.  I loved the time that I took to raise my children.  Now that they are older, I have chosen to start a new career in teaching.  After one month, my students seem to be learning and enjoying my class (a huge worry for a 1st year teacher). My family is doing well at home.  My children are picking up some of the slack at home, like their laundry.   Life is good.

I think that it comes down to choices.  If someone is truly depressed, seek professional help.  If it is a general malaise, get out and help someone else.  That usually helps me feel better about my problems and my life.  Giving back to the community or a friend is a great thing.