The Art of Happiness

"IF YOU MUST GO TO HELL, AT LEAST DON'T LET SOMEBODY ELSE STUMBLE OVER YOU INTO HELL, TOO!" But this isn't possible, because if you're going to hell you're bound to drag others with you—because everybody has influence! "No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." Your life is bound to affect others! "No man is an island!" Everybody's influencing somebody—even when you seem to be all alone! Sometimes just a word or a glance or a smile can make a big difference—how you look or sound or seem!" - Dumps

I had almost forgotten how selfish 'selfpity' really is! Misery loves company! Let's make everybody else a little bit miserable, too, so we can all enjoy it! That's been me lately. I caught myself forgetting what I came here for and let the difficulties become a little too personal. I knew what I was giving up to stay here, but I determined that the rewards of sticking it out here, seeing this through to the end would way outway the small sacrifice of personal freedom and independance. And duh! Of course that's still true but I've let myself forget this most important detail. Lately I've almost been holding a grudge against.... jeez I don't know actually, I guess maybe against the little angel on my shoulder who convinced me in the first place to do this. It's been very subconscious, though just a few minutes ago I realised how much I've been complaining to the point of making it seem as if I had been pulled into being here against my will kicking and screaming or something! When you start losing sight of the big picture and you're just living in the moment, your perspective is apt to scew. I need to make a conscious effort to remain focused and just plain happy for as long as I am here, otherwise it's all too easy to become overwhelmed and give up. I'll have to start making my own "haka", just adapt this little dance , probably omit "This the hairy man" from the lyrics, undecided on that one and voila! Stay fit and enthused all in one shot! This really has been an awesome year, all the progress that's been made in this situation, I've gotten to meet some really great people who I am proud to call my friends and family, visited new places even - and there's more to come. I have so much to be happy about, really, so I'm just gonna try to project that a little more.