Happy is a choice
A Note About Happy Mama’s Posts: You can participate by linking up any post you’ve written this month about joy and motherhood. It doesn’t have to be about finding joy specifically, just a positive post about how you’re rockin’ mom-dom!
I should plan a little better. Really. You’d think I would know that my “Happy Mama Movement” post should go up today.
And, I should have something all planned out. Ready to post. To get up on the old blog.
But the truth? I had nothing in the bag. Nothing ready to go. Nothing scheduled. Usually? This isn’t a problem. The happy will come to me. Instead, today there was the funk. The funk was most certainly brought on by a certain wee-little B who decided that sleeping during the day was for the birds, whether in the car, the swing, my arms, somebody else’s arms, her lounger, or the bouncy. And she was dog-tired, too; crying, fussing, not sure what to do.
I love my girls. Fussy, happy, sad, silly, emotional, tired. All of it. But today, it was just wearing on me.
But as my wise blog friend Jennifer said to me, happy is a choice. And, I wasn’t choosing it. So, I put on my big girl panties (okay, I just hiked them up) and settled into my happy place.
I can smell my baby girl on my clothes as she’s finally sleeping upstairs. I can hear my sweet E asking for chicken salad for every meal with that little inflection in her voice at the end of her question. I can hear her ask me to “watcha FROZEN, mommy.” “I sit on your lap. You come here.”
I can remember my two bigs getting that silly headband out for their sister and asking to put it on her. And then take a picture. And them lamenting on the fact that the flower had a ladybug in the middle instead of a bee. “It would be nice if it had a bee in the middle for Baby B, mommy.”
And I once again find my happy place. Because if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. And, I’m the only one that can determine my happiness. So, in the wise words of Demi Lovato, with an assist by my E, I will let go of my funk and find my happy!
I don’t think that happiness is a choice. I think it’s more of a goal. If everyone could choose to be happy, and if it were that easy, then we would all be walking around with creepy smiles like the Joker from Batman 🙂
People who are sad don’t choose to be sad or angry…but there are ways in which you can help “fix” it like the things you have listed here. Surround yourself with the things that make your heart full…like those sweet babes of yours. We just have to look hard enough 🙂
I feel like happy can be a choice? Or, maybe that many of us are choosing to be unhappy by letting things affect us in ways that bring us down. I have to hope so anyway otherwise I will be sad mom forever!
It’s such a hard one though! When you choose it anyway, in spite of the funk, I feel like it makes it even, um happier!
How you perceive your life and your situation can have a big affect on your experience. We can do things things that will lift our moods. Keep seeing the brighter picture.
Choosing happy isn’t always easy..especially when you are exhausted!
I agree with you, happy is a choice. It’s not what happens to us by how we react and we have a choice in our actions and our attitudes.
This video reminds me of my little girls!! They really love Frozen.
Loved your article and yes, I think we must choose to be happy! It is something that you have to decide you want.
BTW, I love Thirty One products! My favorite is their utility tote.
Awww, you called me wise. I’m glad my advice helped you find your happy.
Happiness is easy on some days and takes so much effort on other days. When I realize that I have to work at it, I do attempt to slow down and see the little bits of happiness that I do have present in front of me. I’m glad you were able to do that in spite of the rough day. Lack of sleep and grumpy littles is no joke. 🙂
Thermal tote 🙂
I am trying my best to focus on being positive these days. It has been working lately. I notice when I think negative it puts me on a low. So I try to stay positive.
I would like the casual cargo purse.
They are such wonderful reminders of finding joy, aren’t they? 🙂
I feel like I get into a funk sometimes, too. Whether it’s blogging, working out or being a mom. Sometimes I just need to take a little break, you know, to re-set my batteries. That usually helps me get things kick started. And when that fails, I go grab a caramel latte and the sugar high pushes me into high gear enough to get done what I need to 🙂
I bought a large tote the last time from you, but now I want a bag for myself! 🙂
I’m totally coveting an upgraded cross body:)
Happy is a choice. I’ve found I can pull myself out of funks by realizing what all I have.
Love the giveaway, btw. There’s a big bag that a lot of the other moms have on the soccer field that I would love to have.
Gah, they are adorable. And so true, if Mama isn’t happy, no one is! I have to choose to be happy sometimes too when I’m in a funk!
I’m not sure if happiness is actually a choice but you do choose to focus on certain things which can make you unhappy.
Happiness is a choice, but not always the easiest one! Great post and happy Friday!
Sometimes it takes a little more work to find the happy in our lives. It’s there, but it’s tough to see/feel some days. I’ve felt this way a lot this week as I’ve been sick (and moms have no time to be sick!) All it takes is for my son to climb on top of me and hug me to realize just how good I have it.
Happy is definitely a choice. My husband’s grandmother, who lived until she was 102 once told me it takes just as much effort to be happy as sad/mad – so she always chose to be happy!
Yes I have to agree happy is a choice, I try to choose to be happy as much as I can, why not? Life is good.
Your story really spoke to me….I’ve had quite a few “rough days” lately and although I try to be positive I seem to be in a funk. Reading this made me realize I do choose my happy, I have to find the silver lining and make it beam. Thanks 🙂
Such a sweet post! Thanks for giving great perspective. Those smells, comments, and touches are the greatest things in the world.
I totally believe that happiness is a choice also! I try to remind myself of that when I get stuck in those ruts. Love the thirty-one giveaway!
Choosing “HAPPY” is so true – in every aspect of life.
I love Thirty-One , I have quite a list of things I want to get from them!
sometimes I find myself in a funk too, but then try and remember that I need to focus on my blessings, they are all around me! Love the post 🙂
I REALLY want the “Simply Blessed” tote http://www.pinterest.com/pin/174584923029145930/
I’ve never looked at Thirty-One products before. I want the Picnic Essentials kit. And, yes, Happy is a choice!
I would like to own EVERYTHING! I am new to thirty one – but totally loving it .
I want the large utility tote and the organizing tote – to start with 🙂
This is such a great reminder that we really are in control of choosing the ‘silver lining’ in everything we come across. Happiness IS a choice. By the way – I love the pics of your girls and the headband is so adorable! Thanks for sharing!
I completely agree. Happiness is a choice. Your kids are so cute, what a lovely photo.
This is a great reminder for something I think most people do from time to time – let things get the best of them. Great photo of the kids!
was talking with my cousin this morning about choosing happiness in life. timely post to read, i suppose. but you do have to choose happy. it’s always there.
Awww…how sweet. Your little ones really light up the page. Glad you found your happy!
Sometimes it does take a concerted effort to bring the happy back out. I’m sure glad you pulled it off!
I think everyone has days like this! But you are right, you have to choose to be happy, even on the hardest days! Adorable pictures!
I’d like to own the Euro Straw Tote in pink, that’s cute. Thanks for hosting!
My attitude definitely has a big impact on my family, so I try to keep this in mind when I feel the grumps coming on.
I love 31 products and reading happy mama stories. I miss my little ones smelling like babies. My oldest will graduate high school next year. Sob!
Cute kids. I like how you changed your attitude around. That’s what chasing Joy is all about. I also like your honesty that we don’t always feel joyful but have to choose I tome days
It is all about learning to be content. I love personalized products. They do make me smile and feel special.
i love so much from Thirty One Gifts. Their handbags and totes are amazing. I’m loving their new straw beach tote
I love the Hang Up Home Organizer! Thirty-one makes some awesome products!
I seriously just bought a Thirty-One tote! I love it and switched into it today. I love the high quality and vibrant colors.