Why Am I So Happy?

A few months back, I wrote a blog post about the first time I was told my happiness is annoying. I was 16 years old when it happened – and today I turn 26.

As odd as it may sound, I never thought of myself as a “happy” person. It’s not like one day I woke up and said: “Okay, Pamela, now you are going to be a happy person.”

In the past years, I have received a lot of “you’re too happy” comments that always caused a bit of confusion inside. It confused me – because, somehow, in some way, I thought everyone felt the same way I did.

But of course that’s not how it is. Everyone has their own perception on things which is what makes us unique individuals.

In the last months I have reflected a lot on my life and how I came to be the way I am. I have asked my parents about my childhood, I have read old journals and I have spent a lot of time in-thought trying to put the pieces together.

Today as I celebrate another year of life, I wanted to share with you what I have come to understand of Why I Am So Happy.

I Live in Gratitude

I give thanks for the stranger who smiled at me. I give thanks for witnessing a random act of kindness. I give thanks as I follow a bird soaring through the sky. When we give thanks every day, our world becomes rich in happiness, opportunity, love and each day feels like a gift from the universe. Every night before I go to bed, I share what I am grateful for the day.

I Am an Optimistic Realist

There seems to be the notion that if you are an eternal optimist, you live in an unrealistic world. But that is not the way I see it. Being an optimistic realist means you are fully aware of the positive or negative “realistic” outcomes of any situation. But, however the situation turns out, it doesn’t matter, because you will always find a way to overcome the challenge.

I Am Not a Victim of the Outside

Let’s face it; there are a lot of things that could be labeled as unfair in this world. People, animals and the environment suffer everyday from actions caused by greed and malintent. I know that, I do. But you know what? Seeing ourselves as victims of the outside world will only plague our hearts with pain and anger. Instead of being angry and blaming others, I choose to work on myself and work on what I CAN change.

I Do Not Entertain Cynicism, Negativity or Complaining

Thinking that everyone is selfish or out to get us is a sure way to highlight all the darkness surrounding us. Focusing on the negative actions of others will only result in feeling like we live in a world where humanity is lost and that everything is going wrong. Of course there are people who are really selfish and don’t care about causing harm to others. But that’s them. That’s not us. And that’s not the people we need to surround ourselves with. Cynicism, negativity and complaining is just poison that drains our energy. Energy that could be better spent building our inner and outer world.

I Believe in Possibility and I Believe I can

I choose to believe that everything is possible. I believe in the possibility of our human potential. I believe in turning possibility into opportunity through work, dedication and passion.

I Have Learned Humility

I will never be anything more or anything less.

And lastly…

I Choose to Live with a Beginners Mind

It’s open, curious and in love with every day.
What we think is what we see.

And that is How and Why I Am So Happy.