"Happiness is in the heart, not in the
circumstances."
~Anonymous
Good morning!
The
vision of the happy family eating homemade meals every night,
having family time once a week, and anticipating the annual family
vacation is a great one. But for the most part, it's just that: a
vision. We are much more likely to go through "spurts" where we
feel we are pulling together as a family, and go through times where it
seems no matter what we try, we're falling apart.
Occasionally,
our vacations will be wonderful. Other times they'll
be filled with sick kids, sunburn, or lost luggage. Sometimes we
will all sit down to eat together. Other times there is bound to be
a last-minute meeting, an after school sport, or, if we do all sit
down-a burnt dinner because the chef is in shock at everyone's
arrival.
But
what makes the difference between the good trips and the bad?
Take, for example, two families who have excitedly planned a
picnic. The day for the picnic arrives-and storms arrive with it.
There is no hope of the outdoor jaunt that the family craved. Why
does one family complain about the weather, mope and pout, while
another family throws the picnic blanket down on the living room
floor, grabs the snacks and a board game and enjoys a day "in"?
It all
ties back to priorities and attitude. If your priority is truly your
family, sure it will be a disappointment that it's raining, but you can
focus on the fact you still have your family together, and there are
plenty of other ways to spend your time. If your focus is elsewhere,
you are likely to mope, since the picnic probably became a vehicle for
"using up the time," because you felt it necessary.
Your
Turn: When plans change and good intentions go awry, don't
give up. Step back and look for ideas to make the most of what you
have in the here and now.
Today's
Affirmation: I promote happiness and togetherness.
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