A Happy, Healthy, Helpful New Year

I’ve chosen a set of words to focus on in 2015 rather than specific goals and intentions.  They’re global enough to encompass positive actions and specific enough to keep me focused.  I’ve ordered them in the way they logically proceed.  I need to be happy to be healthy and from that space only can I be helpful, which is my deepest heart’s desire.

Happiness is a vehicle, a pathway, a modality rather than an end in itself.  I was nicknamed “Joy Ann” growing up by a cousin, and I continue to wear my heart on my sleeve. People know when I’m happy and when I’m not. Happiness feels better.  At age 56 I have a good handle on brings happiness: good conversations, connection to spirit, movement, creative work, comfort, authentic companionship, and beauty to name a few. 

I also know that happiness is a habit--that where I put my attention contributes to my state of being.  As much as I admire people who fight for worthy causes, I don’t want to push against anything because that doesn’t bring me joy, just a rush of adrenaline followed by a chaser of righteousness. With only so much time, I’d rather advocate for something, move in the direction of what I want, and call out the goodness in others.

Acknowledging my exquisite health means not comparing my body to the 25 year olds in my hot yoga classes but rather celebrating the energy, vitality, and wellness that abounds in me at this time of life.  Being helpful means not just writing, giving talks or leading retreats that teach and inspire, but being a light in the grocery line, and I have a ways to go to develop patience with pokey clerks.

My recovery program asks that I take a daily inventory, and while it’s important to note where I’ve gotten off course, I want to use these three words to acknowledge daily how I’ve shown up and contributed to life. If I can say by the end of 2015 that I was mostly happy, healthy, and helpful, I will count that a success.