Enlightenment is not staying happy all the time, but it is knowing you have the ability to return to happiness when you are ready. Enlightened people are not happy when bad things happen, but they learn to find hope and believe that better things will come. Enlightened people are not smiling while they suffer, but they understand that shifting their perspective will help reframe the challenge into a lesson for growth. Enlightened people don’t hope for failure, but they know it’s part of a life lived without fear.
I get the feeling that many people define an enlightened person as this untouchable master that is in all ways perfect and just radiates complete wisdom like a Jesus or Buddha or even some kind of monk living in near solitude, but the reality is that all of us can become enlightened people. I considered myself an enlightened person when I was able to see beyond the current circumstances and understood that I had control of how to react to them. While we cannot control circumstances like the global pandemic, or the many repercussions that it has on our lives, we do get to choose how we react to it. I have my fill of moments when it seems like nothing is going right or getting better, but I still choose to see this as an opportunity for growth and something that was needed to teach us all a lesson about how connected our personal choices are to others around us. I used my quarantine to learn new skills. I’ve used my parents’ health issues to appreciate my ability to help care for them. I’ve used my new job to build up my leadership skills so I’ll be ready for the next big opportunity that comes my way.
All of those circumstances have been challenging, and tears have been shed, anxiety has triggered mass consumption of carbs on occasion, and many miles have been spent on my bike thinking about how much I miss traveling and seeing my friends. So I haven’t been happy the whole time, but I take the time to work through my emotions and then decide to find ways to get back to happiness. I still get angry and sad and frustrated when I see the news every day. I can’t change the whole world, but I can change my world. I choose to be a light in a sometimes dark world and to do my part to remind all of you that we do have the choice to get back to happy. I’ve posted some videos lately about finding the small joys in your day. I spent a month sharing things that I love with my friends on Facebook. This morning I listened to some of my favorite songs from the ’90s and remembered how carefree life was back in my early 20’s. It’s the little moments that will help lift you up and get back to happiness, or at least one step closer to happiness. The small flame of a candle can light up an entire room, so remember that your light can help brighten the world for those around you. My life might not get better right away, but I’m setting myself up for a brighter future by staying happy and learning a lot of lessons along the way.
Stay safe. Love one another. Be the light.
Comments