Happiness is not something I FIND, it’s something I CREATE.

If I can keep that little saying, front and center, my day will be so much better than when I don’t. It reminds me that I am the only one who can direct the outcome of each day, while staying in the present moment. It’s not about situations or what others think; it’s about who’s driving my bus. It’s ME and my attitudes. This way of life was spelled out by Doctor Paul in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939. The writing on page 517 of that book goes something like this.

And acceptance is the answer to ​ all ​ my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some face of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate less on what needs to be changed in the world and more on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.

The wisdom goes on for a few more paragraphs. Do yourself a favor: find a Big Book and read it. Not only read it, ‘Live it.’

While reading Doctor Paul’s elegant words, I see how the original saying goes: I can create my happiness, or I can create misery in its place. The keyword is “I.” It is really all about ME and my attitudes. The first step in making any change is to recognize that what I am doing is not working, and that only I can take the driver’s seat and make the necessary changes that will bring happiness into my life, no matter where I am right now.

Does this sound too easy? Well, it is. It does take work and follow-through, however. I was always good at starting things, but ran out of gas way too soon. Way before the happiness set in.

I will finish with a quote from Wayne Dyer. “Change your thoughts, change your life,” and one from me. “You are who you think you are.” At least I think it’s one of mine. Whatever you decide to do, give it your all and wait for the miracle to happen.