Happy Redwood

Why should we try to be happy? It's not going to solve our problems. It's not going to take away our pain.

So what is the point of seeking happiness?

Haruki Murakami said "Pain may be inevitable but suffering is optional." The reason is your own, I cannot tell you, why you want to be happy. Each person must decide for themselves. We all have our reasons for acting the way we do.

For example, my husband and I recently took a trip to LA to visit some relatives. The car ride was about 8 hours with traffic and stops. The discomfort we both felt for being in the car was evident. I think everyone understands that feeling. Although we couldn't change how long the ride was, we did choose to withstand it and make the best of it. We both had fun laughing together and playing car games. It was all together a wonderful trip. We made the choice to enjoy every minuet instead of dwell on our situation.

I choose happiness so that when things are bad I can still enjoy myself. Why not enjoy it? Every second is a second your will never get back. How many of those will you waist dwelling on unchangeable situations?

My Husband and I took a trip in 2013. We visited the beautiful California cost and the lumbering forests of the Sequoia sempervirens, or Giant Redwood. The forest is stunning, moss covered beds line the floor, separated by vast space before the first distant branches of the giant trees sprout. The damp quiet environment gives way to distant birds singing in the unseen sky above. The dappled sunlight cascading off the ruddy trunks leaves a slight red glow which offsets the green wide leafed ferns at there base of the giants. The peacefulness is unrelenting and impossible to resist even for the greatest skeptic.

A photo of us on horseback, riding through old growth redwood forests.

Photo Credit- Kurtis Ostrom

The trees are not only beautiful, the have a great story to tell. Our guide informed us that not just one, but many of the trees around us have been living for over 2,000 years. They grow as tall, or taller in some cases, than a towering 350 feet. The statue of Liberty is only 305 feet, for comparison.

Can you see me?

Photo Credit- Kurtis Ostrom

As you look around you notice the trunks of most of the trees are burnt out. I guess when you have lived for 2,000 years you have seen a few forest fires. The amazing thing is that the trees are still alive and, other than the scar they carry, unscathed. The fire only burns out the middles of the trees leaving the tough exterior to grow and continue on. A redwood can have up to a foot of bark which contains tannin to protects the tree not only from fire but rot and insects as well. The most amazing things about this is that fire renews nutrients in the soil allowing the trees to thrive.

A redwood’s bark can be 1 foot thick, and it contains tannin, which protects the tree from fire, insects, fungus and diseases. - See more at: http://santacruz.hilltromper.com/article/ten-amazing-facts-about-redwoods#sthash.oHwim2pW.dpuf

Photo Credit- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

This is a great reminder of how we go through troubles in our lives. During hard times, we may not think we can make it, but we do. We come out the other side with a better understanding of ourselves and our strengths. We will always remember the hard times, because we all carry scars with us, but we can live on a thrive from our knowledge that we CAN make it.

Be a Happy Redwood.

I came across this cartoon, its says so much.

http://www.lunarbaboon.com/comics/powers.html

Sometime we all just need a good compliment. It can brighten up your day just as much as the person receiving it. The power to make someone smile is a gift we all share. Choose to make someone smile today. You will be happier for it. Here are some compliments I like to hear from others.

1. You look great in that.
2. You're right.
3. You have a nice smile.
4. You are a kind person.
5. I love being around you.
6. I am completely disarmed by your wit.
7. You make me smile.
8. Good Job.
9. I love how spontaneous you are.
10. Everything is easier with you around.

Try making a list of all the things you love to hear from others. See if you can use all of them in one day! At the end of the day do you feel any different?

"If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness."

-Les Brown

Photo by- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. Our necessary routines cause us to be caught in a cycle of boredom and stagnation. It can be hard to recognize we are stuck in this rhythm, much less, correct it. The routine gets in the way of growth.

When I feel myself being ruled by life's routine I have a few steps to help.

1. Ask yourself, is this routine necessary or can I make adjustments?

Sometimes we have commitments that we cannot adjust, they can come in the form of work, children, appointments ect. We cannot ignore these obligations. However, many times we can adjust other things and make time for something we love and enjoy. Making the time is a must if we want to break out of our comfort zone.

Photo by- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

2. Find something new to try

Opening ourselves up to new experiences is important. This opportunity also comes up more in life then one might think. If we have an open mind and desire we will find new ways to expand ourselves. It may come in the form of something small like trying a new dish at a restaurant. Or maybe it will be going to a get together with some people you have never met.

One way or the other new opportunities will appear. Learn to recognize them!

Photo by- Kurtis Ostrom Photography
3. Say Yes

The hardest part is to say YES. Dropping the fear and embracing good, and sometimes scary change. Like I said before, new things always come up, it is a matter of recognizing them and saying yes to them. Unless we try things we will never know if we will like them. This is a lesson we teach children but we have forgotten it ourselves. When we find ourselves about to say no, just say yes!

Breaking out of the comfort zone can be hard. If we try, we can see just how much good it can do us. Be aware of opportunities that present themselves in our daily life. Open yourself to new things and you never know what life will bring. Just say YES!

“Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

-William Shakespeare

Although this may be an oversimplification it is a valuable way of thinking. Many things we categorize as good or bad are simply that way because we decide they are. For instance, bad experiences in our lives can bring about truly good change. We learn from bad times. I believe everyone can agree on this. We have all had a "bad" day, one where nothing was going our way. Instead of dwelling on the fact that it was unpleasant, choose to find something you can learn from it. Maybe something as simple as smiling at a coworker instead of quickly walking past them, or going to lunch with a friend instead of eating alone. Once you practice this choice you will become more happy.

This photo was taken while my husband and I waited for AAA to come after breaking down.
Photo Credit- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

Choose to Change.

Thinking is a powerful thing. The first step to change is letting go of over thinking. The human mind can get caught up in a cycle, replaying you negative experiences over and over. When you find yourself ruminating, try changing your reaction. Think about your thinking. Choose to learn from that situation instead of continuing to worry about it. You will never gain incite by over thinking, only by action. Discover what you can do to handle that situation better next time and let it go!

Don't allow ruminating thoughts of the past take away from your happiness now!

photo credit- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

Developing Happy.

Question your beliefs about happiness. Society often tells us that to be happy we must be rich with the best job and the perfect spouse. How many social norms have you gained only to be crushed when they didn't make you happy. A new house or car perhaps? How quickly did you find yourself wanting the next big thing instead of being satisfied. Having goals is not the problem. We all need something to work towards. Simply decide to be happy while you work toward them and not only once you have achieved them. Being happy is a choice. If we appreciate the good things and learn from the "bad" we can enjoy almost every situation. No amount of objects or approval from others will increase your joy.

Look inward and change your habits.

Photo Credit- Kurtis Ostrom Photography

The Habit of Happy.

Like any habit happiness is a trait gained from repetition. The more you practice being happy and changing your thinking, the more happy you will become. Think of happiness the same as you think of brushing your teeth in the morning. You make a healthy choice for yourself each day by doing it. Soon enough you won't even have to think about doing it anymore, you will simply be happy.

Instead of telling ourselves things are good or bad, simply tell yourself they are learning experiences. Let go of ruminating thoughts that drag you down. Let them go so you can move forward. Never let anyone tell you what should or shouldn't make you happy. Make the conscience choice to enjoy something in any situation to develop the habit of happiness.

About Happy Redwood

This blog is a place for everything happy. My own personal musings about the science, and the method behind happiness and how to achieve it. Although I am not a writer, I do feel I have a valuable opinion on happiness, as I feel everyone does.

I have had many times of sadness and happiness just like all of you. This blog is simply a way for me to communicate how I have overcome, and continue to overcome sadness in my life. The things I learn daily to pursue a happier self.

I feel happiness is important to everyone and we can all achieve it.

Photo by- CMG Imagery

Happy Redwood

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