Peacock Dreaming

I’ll be Happy When….

Many beings struggle with happiness. Delight is often associated with the achievement of an outcome. We spend much of our lives fantasising about how wonderful life will be when life all works out the way we want it to. Ultimately we pine for that pinnacle.

I have heard people say things like, “I will be happy when I have finished the fencing” or “I will be happy when I have lost another four kilos.” Many of us believe that happiness will materialise when we reach our destination. And yet, what I have found is that the roots of contentment are actually to be found along the journey. I find that experience in the moments that make me feel alive.

When we become fixated about our vision, that goal is the only thing that exists. In that mindset we ride the rollercoaster of emotions along the journey toward our ideal outcome.

The Power of Playfulness

Peacock Dreaming The Wisdom Of Flowers
From Peacock Dreaming: The Wisdom of Flowers

A sense of hopelessness can be all consuming. It can make us feel like we should give up and not waste another moment on this frivolous dream. However, where there is a relaxing distraction, there is an opportunity to regroup and refresh. In this moment, clarity often prevails and solutions to troubles often reveal themselves.

Indulging in playfulness can help kick us out of a feeling of funky dejection. It can be tricky to pull ourselves out of this mood. However, surrounding ourselves with playful people can help greatly. Something as little as a good belly laugh can move mountains.

The Almighty Attitude of Gratitude

“The thankful heart… discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!”

Henry Ward Beecher
Peacock Dreaming The Wisdom of Flowers
From Peacock Dreaming: The Wisdom Of Flowers

In my first book, ‘Lovitude: Trying To Calm The Monkey Mind’ I shared how the acknowledgement of simple daily blessings helped me and my family during a troubled period of time back in 2016.

These daily moments of bliss can be found in a cup of superbly awesome coffee, the feeling of a sea breeze against your skin, and the way the grey skies highlight the colours around me. As I experience these wonderful sensations, I think to myself, “how lucky am I”.

The glorious thing is, the enjoyment of simple pleasures does not take any time out of your day. During my walk to work the other morning, I detoured through a park in town and luxuriated in the scent of the roses as I power-walked along the path. Inhaling the fragrant aroma felt indulgent. And it is the acknowledgement of that indulgence and feeling the appreciation which made me buzz.

When we walk through life with a smile and a self-belief that we are lucky and blessed, we attract experiences into our midst that reflect this confidence.

So that being said, I have some homework for you this week. Every day, acknowledge to yourself at least three things that you experience that make you smile. If you are going through a crappy time, take a moment to step outside and go for a five minute walk. Even when you are in a concrete jungle filled with graffiti and barbed wire, there is still beauty to be found.

It really works!

Below is some feedback from someone who gave it a go.

“Your book Lovitude was a really positive reading experience. Once I started I just sat and kept reading. It made me take time to stop and re-focus on the little things. Looking at all your beautiful photos, and thinking wow what a beautiful world you live in!! Then I realised a few of the photos are from where I still live, and yes they are beautiful too. I do live in a beautiful place, and have now decided to take time to stop, look, listen, smell and feel what is around me and not just rush, rush, rush all the time. Just sitting at the beach now is a different experience, the other day while Jade was playing I closed my eyes and listened to to noises around me, while the wind was blowing on my face, and took some deep breaths – it was beautiful.
Thank you for making me refocus on the beauty around me.” 

Tanya K
Lovitude Trying To Calm The Monkey Mind

Anne McCormack is author of the book, Lovitude: Trying To Calm The Monkey Mind and the award-winning, Peacock Dreaming: The Wisdom Of Flowers.

Feature photos courtesy of Pixabay

Interested in more articles?  Check these out:

It’s All About Perspective

Endings & New Beginnings

Focus on the Moment, Not the Emotion

Adventure Into The Unknown

My Wish For You – Stepping Into Mindfulness

Making Me Happy!  A Journey Into Mindfulness

What Gratitude Has Taught Me

What Makes You Fizz?  Living Your Purpose

Connectedness & Support

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