I'll Be Happy When...

Lot's of things on this earth make me happy. The problem is that I have the tendency to want more. I'm not the only one. It's human nature. When we accomplish one goal we are already looking towards the next one.

I think back at times in my own life. In college I had many friends and was happy. However, I would really be happy when I had that special girlfriend I was missing. When I first moved from Long Island to Buffalo things went smoothly. But I would really be happy when I had that dream job. Later, my wife and I bought our first house. It was a big accomplishment. However, we would really be happy when we had our dream house in the suburbs instead of this starter house in the city.

Does this sound familiar? People (and as you can see I've been one of them) always say they will be happy when... However, we put ourselves in a difficult position because either "when" never comes or we try to automatically take the next step when it does instead of enjoying the moment.

How can we conquer this? In my recent readings I have seen the same message several times. I will break it down:

• Be thankful for what we have now - There is nothing wrong with asking for more or trying to be better. However, before we take the next step or ask for the next thing, let us constantly be thankful for where we are now.
• Be happy NOW!! Why spend our days worrying about tomorrow when today has enough concerns of its own? (see Matthew 6). If we are always waiting for certain things to be happy for, we may be waiting a very long time.
• Live as if we already have what we desire. Use the imagination to see life as we would want it. If it's money you desire, see yourself enjoying what you would be spending it on. If it's a relationship, see yourself as the ultimate partner enjoying the company of another. If it's better health, see yourself as healthy and doing the things you want to be doing. It's funny how these thoughts can quickly become reality.

My challenge for myself and anyone else is to be happy today. As a result, we will see life as more rewarding and positive. I also believe we will see a lot more positive manifest in our lives on a regular basis. There's no reason to wait. Why not put a smile on our faces and on those of others around us. Now!!

Have an excellent day : )