Two weeks ago I left on a 4-day cruise to the Bahamas with the cast of Duck Dynasty. It was something I won on the radio last May. If you’ve ever watched the show, you know Phil is famous for saying those words in my blog title, “Happy, Happy, Happy!”
It got me thinking, is that the legacy I’m leaving behind for my own kids? Will they look back on their childhood and think Mom was happy, happy, happy? I try to be a positive person, but if I’m honest, being happy is something I’ve struggled with these last few months. Most of it is stress related around circumstances I can’t control. But the more I thought, the more I decided that if the situation can’t change, why have a bad attitude about it? Might as well be grateful for all the good things I have. And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, then CHRISTMAS, it’s the perfect time of year to change my stinkin’ thinkin. Because make no mistake, your thought life comes out in your real life. Just like if you eat junk, your clothes will get too tight to fit into them (I’m starting my diet on Monday, I SWEAR!). Natural cause and effect relationship (there’s nothing more annoying than a teacher who just won’t stop 😉
I don’t know what struggles you have today, but whether it’s writing related or not, I encourage you to be happy, happy, happy. Then all those positive thoughts will spill out into your life and eventually, YOU can be the change you wish to see in the world (Gandhi).
Oh, and I’d be REALLY happy, happy, happy if you’d download my first YA novel, 18 Things, FOR FREE November 6-7th. Apparently, it’s a Pixel of Ink special, which I’d never heard of until my publisher notified me of the sale. And please feel free to share the good news on social media. THANK YOU!
This has been a post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, the brainchild of Head Ninja, Alex J. Cavanaugh. Feel free to join us the first Wednesday of every month! Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Jamie Ayres 
Glad you had a fun cruise. I’ve gone through a lot of challenges, which has made it hard to be so happy. I think it’s okay for our kids to see going through these challenging times and get to the other side of it. It gives them ways to handle their own stresses. But it’s always good to get to that really happy side of things.
True. I don’t want to give off ‘fake’ happiness and wear a plastic smile either, but I also want us to trust in God that He’s working on our behalf behind the scenes 🙂
What a fun trip! Just remember that how you react to things makes all the difference in your own life. Just hang in there, because things will get better. Have a great day! Happy, happy, happ!
Yep, this too shall pass!
That’s why God says to give thanks in all things!
What a wild thing to win. Very cool.
Hubs even grew out his beard and hair for it . . . as you might’ve guessed from the pictures 🙂
It seems like you enjoyed your cruise. I’d love to go on a cruise someday.
Sometimes we can create our own happiness by putting positive, happy energy out there and doing good deeds for others. That then reflects back onto us and makes more happiness.
Yes, good deeds is a great way to stay happy 🙂
I love the idea of a legacy of happiness. And YES – we do create things with our thoughts. What’s inside becomes what’s outside. I wish more people realized this. High five!
Oh, I LOVE high fives, thank you!!
Jamie, this kinda reminds me of my post today. Yes, I can see you as Happy, Happy, Happy … and you to that for everyone in your life, I am sure 🙂
Glad you enjoyed your cruise (sounds like you needed the distraction.) And it looks wonderful!
Life is mostly how we portray it to be – so yeah, be happy no matter what. You’ll feel better for it. 🙂
Will we hear about your cruise one day!!! My hubby is a huge fan. We don’t get the show anymore since I cut back on satellite. I can relate to how difficult it is to go to that happy place some days. Today for instance. When going there becomes more difficult I meditate. That seems to slow down my resistance. Let me add that your positive and happy nature comes through in your blog.
Oh boy I hope you had fun! Did you actually get to meet and talk to the cast? I have a friend who would have LOVED to do that. She watches DD ALL the time… I needed to hear this today, this week actually about being happy. Sometimes unhappiness is so insidious and you don’t see it happening until you’re all ready immersed! Thanks for the wake up call!
Sounds like an interesting cruise! I never watched Duck Dynasty, I just remember they’re the guys who look like the ZZ Top band. I’m working on my positive thinking and reading The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen. I love his positive thinking!
The cruise sounds so cool. I’ve seen Duck Dynasty once or twice… looks like a fun bunch of people to share a cruise with:)
Wow! Looks like you had a fun time. What a prize. Yes, I increasingly think life is too short to worry about things over which we have no control. Hope the rest of the year and the new one are good for you.
Fun cruise. I’ve never encountered anyone who won things from TV or radio. I try to be as positive as possible.
If life is really rough, I fake happy. My grandma always said- you are what you pretend to be. 😉
But seriously, there is no reason to worry too much over the things outside our control. I have to leave the trust to my maker to handle those things and just enjoy the blessings I am given.
I’m so jealous! That sounds like an absolute blast. 🙂 I’m glad you had a good time!