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Use your skills and be happy
Be happy! Do what you're good at! Don't tell me that you don't feel awesome about yourself when you are in the middle of doing something that you totally rock at and you know you do, and everybody else does too.
Do something to engage your skills
It doesn't matter what it is, either. Maybe you are skilled at operatic singing. Maybe you totally kick butt at scrapbooking. Maybe you are the best tap dancer in the country. Maybe you are really good at sharpening pencils without breaking the leads off. And maybe the only thing you really like to do is lick walls (see giraffe photo).
Whatever it is that you like to do, that's what's gonna make you happy. It's pretty obvious when you think about it, but how often do we actually do what we like. Most of us spend the lion's share of our time doing things that we have to do: going to a job that we don't like, cleaning toilets, going to the bank, etc.
Take some time out to do something that makes you feel accomplished and worthwhile. Write a novel (it is National novel writing month, after all), bake a gourmet cake, knit some socks, rake the yard. When we stop feeling like we are contributing to our surroundings, and we don't get to do what we're good at, that's when the negative attitudes and thoughts can creep in and poison our happiness.
It's also important for our children to do what they feel they are good at. It helps them feel smart and good about themselves, so if you want a natural example, look at your kids. My one year old recently learned that he's really good at pushing buttons, so whenever he sees one, he goes for it (TV, washing machine, telephone), and my two year old has discovered how to change his clothes. At least three times a day he wears a new outfit, and he thinks he is AWESOME, because he can do it.
It's not likely that we are going to be able to use our skills all the time, or even every day, but making time to use them occasionally will contribute to your happiness.
Comments
You know what? I think I like this article best of the most recent pieces you have published. I really love the camping story, but this one gets to me and makes me think. I have used the thought several times lately and I believe it will be in my head for a very long time. I love to help other people and do things for those I love, but I really enjoy doing something for me once in while, too. Anne and I went ot a play last night to watch our nephew perform in "Grease". It was a wonderful night. No pressure, no worries, just pure fun. Thanks for the reminder. You are the best!
raidz.net/blog/how-selflessness-has-brought-me-happiness
raidz.net - how selflessness has brought me happiness!
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