Normalcy and Happiness

 I took Brene Brown’s online vulnerability class, the first class provided through Oprah’s Life Class series.  If you haven’t discovered the beautiful books that she has written, I strongly recommend checking them out. One lesson made a lasting impact on me.  This lesson was that “happiness” is the presence of normalcy.  The people, the routines, and the things we take for granted are the ingredients for our own happiness.  It is the loss of normalcy that leads to a loss.  During this lesson, we had to write down and think about those normal pieces of our lives that bring us joy and happiness. Things like my morning coffee, a phone call with a friend, the feeling of love, and my dogs cuddled next to me are all things that I experience every day. This is my happiness.

Practicing Gratitude

There are many articles and links on how to practice gratitude. For me, it’s about appreciation for the good and beautiful things that already exist in your life. Seeking those things out, acknowledging them, and allowing yourself a moment of appreciation for them is that active or practice part of gratitude. There’s an entire science behind practicing gratitude and I’ve linked to one here.

When Someone Loses Their Normal

When someone loses their normal there is nothing they need more than love from those around them.  They need hearts, they need minds, and they need support.  I have learned one thing they do not need.  They do not need nor do they want us to put some kind of life lesson or meaning on their loss.  We cannot solve their problems nor can we carry their burden.  We can however pray for them, and provide moments of love and support   We can also “see” them for who they really are, and understand that they are “us,” they have lost their normal and are trying to find their way through it.

If you have lost your normal, I encourage you to reach out to those around you. Get the support of loved ones and if you need more help, please seek it out. 

Enjoy Normalcy

What is your normal?  Embrace your normal, enjoy those moments, the simple pleasures, whether that is the hug of a child or the flowers in your garden.  Wake up every single day and realize that you have everything you need to be happy and truly LIVE.  Practice gratitude because as others can tell you, life can change in the blink of an eye.