Find Happiness When Life Is Messy

“Happier than a pig in shit,” I said.

I said that out loud after touring the Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  As my husband and I were sampling our beer, the words slipped out before my tiny filter could catch them.  Laughter rose from my inner most being and it felt so good.

Learning to find happiness in the moment set me free from all the striving.

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Over the years, I mastered the art of chasing happiness.

Through the searching, I discovered my happiness was buried under the beliefs of what I thought I should be and do.  The expected happiness never came with the next career accomplishment and another step up the ladder.

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Once I realized it was a meaningful life I was chasing, I began the process of finding meaningful work.

My mission is to live to my fullest potential by creating work that matters.  This is where I find happiness.

The older I get, the happier I become.  I’m on the path to a more meaningful life, which comforts me in the face of uncertainty.  The destination is unknown, but I find meaning along the journey.

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I’d be lying if I told you I was happy all the time.

Attempting to eliminate lice bugs on my children does not make me happy.  What does make me happy is hearing my daughter sing “I got bugs in my hair and I don’t care” to the rhythm of Spirits by the Strumbellas.

A joyful life can be found in the present.

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I wasn't going to find happiness by trying to fit in.

After gaining the courage to face the shit head on, I realized I'm right where I belong and happier because of it.  The truth is, life is messy and that's ok.

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"The way we define happiness is the joy you feel striving toward your potential."

I love this quote by Shawn Achor

 

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4 Comments

  1. Megan Schneider on July 18, 2019 at 8:31 am

    Very inspirational, Laura! Your smile is contagious and I can hear your laugh!



    • laura on July 22, 2019 at 10:44 am

      You’re SO sweet, Megan. One day at a time…



  2. Carol Cratchy on July 10, 2019 at 10:16 pm

    Still a beautiful woman. With 3 kids. Your smile makes me happy. God bless you.



    • laura on July 13, 2019 at 9:03 am

      Thank you, Carol. I hope you’re well. Each of us has a story, the least I can do is share mine.