The Path to Happiness & Joy ~ Anne McCormack

I have noticed lately that everything seems to lead back to happiness, joy and living in the moment.

The past week has been like travelling along a ring road. Irrespective of the direction I set out in, inevitably I ended back to a state of joy. It is like the engine of my vehicle, namely my body and mind, is not running on autopilot. Instead, manual override has kicked in and mindfulness mode is switched on. Oh what a difference it is making to my day!

I would like to share with you one special moment from this week that really highlighted to me the power of being in the moment.

Recognising Old Wounds to Be Healed

During a meeting, I experienced a feeling of intense frustration well up inside me. It wasn’t a massive deal. The other person had checked a register and had noticed some items that had needed to be updated. Perfectionist me felt like I should have been all across everything when I had not yet got my head around all the processes involved in my new role. Whilst I felt particularly vulnerable, in that moment I allowed this feeling to just be. I observed myself sitting there through eyes not clouded by emotion. I was kind and reassuring in my thoughts to myself.

The frustration and a fledgling feeling of senseless shame eventually subsided. And I am thrilled to say that whilst in the throes of this inner turmoil, my emotions didn’t override my logical, practical mind.

I wholeheartedly agreed with what the other person said and what they were striving to achieve. She wasn’t criticising me. And I hadn’t done anything wrong. Instead I had been trying to stay one step ahead of everyone in a bid to be “right”. I felt I had slipped up and felt guilty and defensive. The moment had triggered an old, deep wound requiring healing.

The Joy of Connectedness

Later in the day, I caught up with my colleague once again. She felt something had been slightly amiss during our meeting (she had noted the energy shift). Gently she inquired if I was okay. Having had the opportunity to process why those feelings had arisen during that meeting, I courageously shared with her where my head had gone and why.

“I so get you. That’s what happens with me too.” In that moment, my old wound of judgement and ridicule was replaced with an understanding that I am not alone.

In the past I would have expended so much energy on projection and victim mentality. However, now I found myself able to focus on solutions and the challenge ahead. I felt fired up in a really positive way.

The Calling to Be

More and more I am called upon to focus on the present moment. It is like everything is conspiring to encourage me to slow down and focus on being.

Cycling and walking into work each morning is enabling me to take notice of everything around me. When walking I take the sneaky detour to Queens Gardens where I walk through the aromatic rose garden on my way to the office. A luxury which puts a smile on my face and pampers my spirit.

The connection with other people cycling and walking beside me feels indulgent as does the tingly feeling on arriving to my destination. I feel alive.

The more I am in the moment and connecting with the world around me from a vulnerable, genuine, heart-felt space, the happier I seem to be growing. How does it get any better than that!?