"Built-in Happiness." That was the heading of an article in the Good Housekeeping magazine I was reading recently. The article was by Gretchen Rubin. It was well written and interesting and I found it thought provoking and helpful.
Her three key ingredients are: self-knowledge, anticipation and love. I endorse these statements fully, but for me the main key was missing. My key ingredient for happiness or joy, is knowing Jesus Christ in a personal way. I am well aware this statement will either annoy you or delight you, according to your beliefs. I also realize you may think I am a "religious nut." Maybe you are right, but I am not ashamed of saying it as it is the truth for me.
The statement may appear to be an oxymoron to those of you who have read my columns on depression, however, depression is an illness that distorts our thinking patterns, and when it takes over it is difficult to see "the forest for the trees." Nevertheless that statement holds true for me, even during those times.
I would love to enlarge on this, but a capable gentleman always writes an interesting column incorporating Christianity in this newspaper, so this will have to suffice.
Happiness had a different connotation for most people. It is something that keeps you going and without it we become lifeless and dull. I love to laugh a lot, and make the most of a funny situation. I believe people prone to bouts of depression are especially thankful for the happy times as we realize just how much we are missing during during those times.
The good thing about depression, if it's possible to find something good, is that "this too will pass." Soon the clouds will pass over and the sky will clear and again we will see sunshine and hear the beautiful voices of the birds.
As I write this, that is exactly what is happening.
How about you? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Hopefully the answer is optimist, as that is what this newspaper is all about. So, keep hanging on, that day will come.
Have a terrific week and God bless.
