Finding Happiness Within
Recently I posted a meme on Facebook that said, “On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100% and that’s pretty good.” I didn’t make it up, I don’t know who did but I really like it. It sums up what I tell my clients and my belief in how strong and courageous they are.
One client recently asked me, “Why do bad things happen to me?” There are all kinds of answers I can give her about the law of attraction or looking for the good in even the bad times but I don’t think that will help her right now. I’m not sure any words will but I did remind her that she has survived other bad times and gotten herself up and out of those times to do wonderful things for her and her family. For me that’s often what gets me through the rough patches, knowing that I will get through those days and better days await me.
Put on Your Lipstick and Face the Day
Another client who is going through a very challenging time texted me the other morning with this, “I’m getting up, putting on my lipstick, and moving forward.” I want to frame those words and hang them in my office to remind me and others that that’s really all we can do, get up and face the day. Keep moving, look for happiness, find comfort and love wherever you can, and don’t give up. Interestingly enough, my lipstick-wearing client finally got some good news later that day. My “why do bad things happen to me?” client took a break from her stress and prayed and later that day she got some much needed good news as well.
So what can you do on those tough days; lipstick, a prayer, a walk, a treasured book, your favorite music, your best friend? What helps you get through it? Sometimes it is just getting up and moving through your day. Sometimes heavier equipment is needed such as chocolate or a glass of wine but there is always something that will help you get through that challenging time. Happiness truly awaits you on the other side of the challenge. Sometimes it is because you plowed through the challenge and sometimes simply because there is plenty of happiness to be found.
Never Give Up on Finding Happiness
Recently I was at a women’s event and was asked to think of something that symbolized the motto of my life. I ended up choosing the infinity symbol because my mantra has always been, “I never give up” and the infinity symbol reminds me of that continuous movement. My family doesn’t always like the side effects of that mantra but it has served me well in that when I’m at my lowest I say to myself, “You never give up and you won’t now.” So I don’t and I put on my lipstick, I say a prayer, I kiss my kids, walk my dog, and I continue my 100% track record of getting through bad days. You will too.
Love,
Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC