Be Happy!

Seriously is there a list, on how to do happy? A page of things to do which will ensure success each and every time!

There are so many lists out there, you can find one on almost anything. Lists to be anything you ever dreamed about, even lists on how to be happy.

"You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness." Jonathan Safran Foer

Anyone who has read any of my blogs knows how much I love quotes and how I love unpacking them. This one by Jonathan Safran Foer is one I love more than many for me it is the true meaning of happiness.

Can we have happiness without the fear of loss, the fear of failure, the fear of not being enough all the while avoiding sadness, grief, anger and many other strong emotions?

Most people would say that to be super happy; you have a great job, the perfect partner, awesome friends and a supportive family. You might add a couple of different ones to that list, but for most of us, that would be the list. When seeking happiness, many of us wish for perfection and don't think there is space for sadness.

The question this quote inspires in me is what makes me sad. The breakdown of love, the disconnection from a friend and issues with family members, to name a few. Loss, failure, growth, and change are the by-products of living a whole, meaningful and happy life. To avoid sadness would be to mean that I didn't even participate.

Are you going to be courageous in life, courageous in love, step outside your comfort zone and risk it all, even sadness, all in the pursuit of happiness?