Choosing Happiness
By: Mark Susnow
Many people have been saying that this era is different and that
we have more to worry about than past generations. While it is
true that we have major concerns that are unique to us at this
time, past generations also had their share of unique challenges.
No matter what our challenges are, the decisions and choices we
make on a day to day basis determine our ability to be happy.
Happiness is a choice and is not dependent on future events and
circumstances. Now is the perfect time to be happy.
Recently at my daughter Makaelas graduation from high school I
was reminded of this truth. I reflected upon my own journey since
high school. I remember how anxious I was to get away from home
and begin college even though it was just across the bay in
Berkeley. I believed college would be the answer to my problems
and it was for a brief period of time. But soon I started to
experience the same disenchantment and longing that I had
experienced in high school.
My focus again shifted to the future which was getting into law
school. Of course once in law school my new focus was graduating
and passing the bar so “real life” would begin. And what I called
“real life” began… I was out of school, making my own money and
involved in an intense love affair.
There’s no question I was excited when I began my career as an
attorney. I was using the legal system as a vehicle of change to
fulfill my mission of changing the world. After a while financial
realities set in and I began to struggle in business and in love.
My mindset was that when business picked up and when I met “the
one” I could start to enjoy life again. My concerns about the
future clouded my ability to enjoy the present.
I was repeating the familiar pattern of making an unknown future
better than the present. For many of us this is a never ending
pattern.
I’ve always been a firm believer in synchronicity…those chance
encounters that change your life…those remarkable meetings.
Many years ago a friend told me of a magical swimming hole along
a river in Humboldt County. Off I went with my guitar, my dog and
sleeping bag; I drove North arriving at the river just as the sun
was setting. In the morning I awoke at the crack of dawn in
search of the swimming hole. As I continued my journey I barely
noticed a few campsites along the river until a camper offered me
some food and coffee. Although I found myself getting hungry and
tired I said no thanks to the kind invitation–I just wanted to
get to that swimming hole. After another twenty yards I turned
around and said “that coffee sounds good.” It was what the camper
said in the next few moments that has perhaps made the greatest
impact in my life.
“Say man, the journey you take is probably more important than
your destination. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy the journey.” From that
moment on I did. I enjoyed my breakfast, enjoyed the rest of the
hike and of course the swimming hole was fabulous.
I can honestly say it was that experience which transformed my
ability to enjoy the present moment.
Shifting your paradigm about the future will change your life.
Instead of waiting to arrive at your destination before you begin
to enjoy your vacation, enjoy packing and the trip to the
airport. Instead of waiting for that big opportunity or break to
occur, enjoy exactly what you’re doing. Instead of accumulating
more, enjoy what you have. Instead of feeling despair about
finding meaning and purpose in your life, enjoy the inquiry.
Instead of waiting for that ideal relationship to happen, enjoy
life exactly as it is.
Hopefully you are inspired. Let me know what you discover and I
love receiving your many responses and feedback. Thank you and
keep them coming. Feel free to pass this letter on to the friends
in your circle and let them know about the advantages of being on
the journey. And as my friend Roy says enjoy the ride.
Journey On
Mark
mark@inspirepossibility.com
(415) 453-5016
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Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial
attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what it
takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner wisdom
unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation practice.
As a personal coach, leadership consultant and inspirational
speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation to many
business leaders and professionals. He knows what it means to
have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and energy it
takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and be sure to
visit his website http://www.inspirepossibility.com