Happiness Isn't Up For Election

My family found ourselves surrounded by an elated group of Trump ralliers. Hoisting red, white, and blue signs and flags, and wearing apple-colored trucker hats, they paraded through the intersection we needed to use to cross the street. One woman twirled on her feet and looked to the sky. "I am so happy, I could cry," she said wistfully.

This got me thinking. As someone who works daily to improve herself, nourish herself, and uplift others, I would never deny someone else through judgment- happiness. In fact, it's not mine to deny at all. I don't hold it for others; nor would I want to. I am grateful to see others happy. The world needs more joy, celebration, and unabandoned twirling in the intersection of life (ok, let's leave that metaphorical- in real life, maybe take it to the sidewalk). I want people- with whom I disagree- to feel full of life and dance to their music- as much as I want it for those who voted the same way I did.

When it comes to happiness, though, something more important and impactful comes to mind. The same thing is true in times of challenge and everyday life. Happiness is inside of us. If we nurture it, it will grow.

Think about happiness as a hydroponic farm. It doesn't matter the weather outside or the climate or the pressure of the wind. It doesn't matter if there is drought. We can grow it under the most difficult of conditions- as long as we keep the climate inside of ourselves ripe and fertile for it. We can shine our own grow lamp on it by thinking about our power to choose how we live, love and -importantly- prioritize our peace. We can water it with moments of gratitude- taking stock of what we have rather than longing for and attaching to what we don't. We don't need to have the country agree with us for our joy to exist. We don't need someone out there to fix it or make it right. It's inside of us; it's our job to mend the soil and plant the seeds in our own house.

While the days ahead give me pause and a sense of protection- wanting to protect my family from harm and especially protect the rights of our LGBTQ+ family and the rights of women to govern their bodies; I know the best thing I can do right now is to see others with the eyes of acceptance and seek to find the best in the world around me so that the garden I have planted is based on hope, love, and faith; rather than fear.

Walking in peace is not always easy. Sometimes my fear rains down on me and soaks me to the core. But it is important to return, return to the breath and to the internal power that we have. How can we intentionally create more hope inside of us? How can we sustain our optimism? Right now, I am looking at the intentionality of how I live. I am prioritizing good food, movement, breath, and bonding with those I love. I am prioritizing presence over getting lost in the illusion of control over others and this world.

How will you prioritize your joy today? Where will you seek it? How do you breathe through change and challenge? I'd love to hear from you!