Reginald Cuffee

When I heard that Michael Jackson had passed away, I begin reflecting on my own life. 

What came to my mind was the subject of happiness.  Specifically, I was  thinking about how many people are waiting for some external circumstance to change so they can be happy.

The say statements such as ” when I get the right job, when I get enough money, when I get the right man or woman, when my children become successful….. then I will be happy”

Guess what? Michael Jackson had tons of money, remarkable talent, fame, and millions of adoring fans around the world.

But, was he happy?

Although I did not know him personally, I think that most of us would agree that he didn’t act happy.  In fact, a common phrase used to describe him was a “tortured soul.”  Many people used this phrase to describe him because he appeared to be fighting inner demons.

If external circumstances such as money and success cause happiness, Michael Jackson should have been very happy.  But it didn’t seem he was.

Now let’s not make a critical mistake and say that money and success cause unhappiness because they don’t.   As Abraham Lincoln said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be.”

If you can’t be happy before you have prosperous, chances are you won’t be happy no matter how much abundance flows into in your life.
The best way I know to be happy is to practice gratitude. Yes, gratitude!  When you focus on what is good in your life, rather than what is “bad” , happiness follows.  And we all have plenty to be grateful for in our lives.

Many things in life that you experience are result of the choices you make!  Love is a choice, not a feeling.  Happiness is a choice.

How happy are you willing to make up your mind to be? Take a chance and choose to be really happy!

In this moment, focus on the blessings you have, and from that place of happiness, create the life you want.  Let the lesson from Michael Jackson inspire you choose happiness first.

You can’t flow more abundance in your life if you’re feeling ungrateful, but you sure can if you’re feeling grateful, and happy.

So, go ahead.  It won’t hurt. It’ll probably feel really good.

Say it–I choose happiness!

Namaste,

RC

written by Reginald Cuffee