I thought when I bought THE WISDOM OF ALPACAS, that I was buying a book of quotes on individuality. Apparently I was mistaken. It seems to be a book of quotes on happiness. Today’s quote…

“HAPPINESS IS A HOW, NOT A WHAT. A TALENT, NOT AN OBJECT.” HERMAN HESS.

I like that. In our materialistic and perfectionistic culture it is hard to remember that happiness and joy are never found in things or in circumstances.

First of all, I think joy is a gift from God that we can either access or block.

We can either receive joy or reject it.

We receive joy when we practice being thankful. Once when I was having a hard time I made myself write fifty things every day I was thankful for.

We reject joy when we complain.

We receive joy when we choose to celebrate the ebb and flow of life. This week is Christmas. I am not done my shopping yet, but I am refusing to stress about it. I will get it done and the giving is just one part of a much larger celebration. The celebration will happen whether I stress out or not. Christmas will come whether I finish my shopping or whether everything is perfect according to my definition of perfection or not. What will make me joyful or not is how much I participate in the celebration . Participation in the day… that is my choice.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE JOY?