4 Steps to happiness & some bad news . . .

[CoachKaren]

I had just finished writing my blog on my website about happiness and happened to have an awaful day yesterday. Long short, my mum has a disease which means her life expectancy is shorted. We found out that could be any time between now and less than 10 years. I also realise other people aren't as lucky as me at least we have up to 10 years and I have her now.

I don't want to dwell on it too much, needless to say, we both cried and now are looking forward.

It really made me feel alone, as I'm the only child - (38 years) and all I have is my mum. I do have a lovely husband and two yound children as well but knowing you're going to lose your mum at whatever age, is hard to hear. She is irreplaceable.

I'm lucky that I have a great support network around me and that I'm a coach myself - still the news was hard to hear.

What struck me was the advice I was giving my mum:

there is hard evidence to suggest those with an optimistic outlook and a strong network of friends and family live longer. More now that ever, I really do believe this.

For me that means cultivating my friendships and extended family - arranging to meet up have a chat on the phone. In short make the effort.

To daily remind myself of all the positive actions, people and things in my life.

Being happy for me is not about putting a plaster on a difficult situation, it's about really feeling it, understanding the impact and then choosing to rise above it.

Choosing to take action, to make the best of a bad situation. My mind will be and is focussed on the here and now and all the postive things in my life.

I'm be taking a note of all the things that brought a smile to my face everyday. This is to remind me life is great.

I hope sharing this has given you food for thought.

For me, writing this, is part of the moving forward positively, process.
Karen

[TeranDios]

Thought your story is tragic..I hope that you can gain great strength from your experience and rise above the you of yesterday. No matter what happens in your life..always face it head on or at least in little piece each day..and eventually you'll find yourself happier then before. Take care and best wishes in your life..