Are you REALLY happy?
 

I just had to post this, because it was on my mind and my heart.

Many times, someone will post a thread, for fun. And most times, that thread will become miserable. I know a lot of you, and I know how you get down, but some people, I don't know. And that's why I started this thread. I want to know if people are happy. I think that it's important.

I'm wondering what people laugh at nowadays. Are yall still laughing? It's really good for the soul. Laugh at some stuff sometimes. It's ok. It's ok to laugh at some stereotypes about Black folk. If you don't, you will be crying every day.

I'm just saying it's ok to sit back and chill and laugh and reminisce. We are all adults, and I think we all know when to be SERIOUS.

It's just a shame when someone is trying to have fun, it turns into a social commentary full of anger (sometimes). Everything is not that deep. LIFE is not that deep. At least not to me.

I guess I just felt the need to vent. But I really do want to know: Are you happy? Personally, professionally, emotionally, spiritually, Are you happy?

I'll post my answer later. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Interesting topic Ideal,

I myself am happy in the skin I'm in. I may not be in the best financial, physical, or emotional state I could be in; yet, I celebrate the fact that I am gloriously me. I feel blessed that I have another day to continue to strive to meet my personal goals and to improve upon the weaknesses within.

I think that alot of folk aren't happy with themselves as they are and this inner unhappiness kind of oozes onto other people and every aspect of their life. Those kind of folk I run from. They have a way of draining you with all of their negative emotions.

Realistically, we all know that life can be very challenging; yet, it's within our power to accept those challenges in a positive manner! Laugh at your blunders. I really don't take 'me' seriously. As a matter of fact, I have a running mental commentary about how utterly silly/stupid I can be. I believe that because I don't take myself sooo seriously, I'm able to embrace life in all of it's strangeness.

BTW, I've changed my username from 'jazbri' (a combination of my kids name) to sistarisin which really epitomizes my daily progress. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Keep no secrets of thyself from thyself. -Greek Proverb

[This message has been edited by sistarisin (edited July 26, 2001).]

As for me, it depends on what part of my life I'm dealing with. Also, to me, there is a difference b/t being happy and being content. I have learned to be content with what I have. That does not mean I'm happy with everything. Feel me?

As far as Monique goes, I'm happy with me, for now. There are some things that I would like to change, but for the most part, I love me just as I am. Hell, lol, somebody has to! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Now, professionally, that's a whole 'nother ball game. I am completely and utterly bored with my professional life. I feel like I'm just in a dead in position right now. I'm not learning anything, and I'm the type of person that needs to learn to grow. When I go to my next job, because I will end up leaving this one (if the economy is still in EXISTENCE), I won't take anything valuable with me. And I just came to terms with that sad reality today. I feel like I've wasted my time here. I haven't done or learned ANYTHING that I could take with me to a new position. That is a sad state of affairs. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

BUT

I'm content with my job, and will keep it until I find a new one. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Personally, life is cool. I'm content with my social life. I'm not where I THOUGHT I'd be 10 years ago, but that's cool. I'm right where God wants me, so I can be content.

I guess, all in all, I'm cool. I don't really want to say I'm happy, because if I died tomorrow, I would not be fulfilled.

As far as taking things seriously, I just think that there is a time and a place. I'm too silly and carefree to be serious on the regular. But, I'm mature enough to know when it's time to handle business.

And y'all already know how I feel about laughter! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Ideal08,

Are you looking for another job? It seems like you are just in a rut and really need a professional change. I had your same problem, I have been at my job for 2 1/2 years. I really love the field I am in (music retail), but recently I realized I was bored, too. I think I have just outgrown my job, so I realized I want to try to expand what I am doing and get into distribution. Of course I am not gonna leave the job I have until I am able to find what I'm looking for, but I feel better just knowing that I am going for what I want and I'm feeling optimistic that if I try hard enough I can get it.
Remember everything happens for a reason and even if you don't think you are taking something away from this experience, it still has a purpose...

Hey GC,
This is a very interesting topic that inspires thought and cosideration. For myself I believe that I'm full of optimism and anticipation. Since I'm only 18, then I look forward to great things in my life. I have goals and plans for this upcoming school year, the next five years, the next 20 years, and the rest of my life. The excitement of what is to come is probably what keeps me happy even on days where things don't exactly go my way. Also, being a Chrisitan, I have to continually stop and reflect on the many blessings that have come to me thus far. It is difficult to be down for long when I observe the many wonderful gifts in my life.

As for laughing http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif, there is nothing that I like better. Whether it's watching some reruns of ComicView, or chilling w/my girls you can guarantee I'm going to be LMAO!!! As a matter of fact, the people at my job must think that I'm crazy becuase these posts have me rolling all day long http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif. GC really is an addiction.

Marie

I must say that I am really happy with my life and and who I am, a women, and African-American women. Although at times I have down times, things may not go as I planned. To me being happy just does not mean that I have no bad/sad times it means being overall happy with life and loving God. Cause without out the sad times how would any now what true happiness is. And I do not take myself that serious either. I laugh at life, people, and yes even myself, by my self or with friends. The Lord above has truelly bleesed me.

Ideal08,

I was feely down too and sat down and wrote out some goals. In this months issue of Black Enterprise they have a setion on Black women, the finances, careers and goal setting maybe you should check it out. It was really encouraging for me it may help you also.

Wow, Ideal. It's amazing that you posted this topic. I have really been feeling down lately. I'm usually Miss Positive and you're right there is a difference between being content and being happy. I know this may sound weird but, I almost feel guilty about not being happy. I know I should be ..maybe grateful is the word. I'm not sick, I have use of my limbs, as promiscous as I was I'm not HIV positive, etc. But sometimes I'm just not happy. My profession is just bearable. Maybe I should do some affirmations on a daily basis to STAY POSITIVE. Your suggestion for Jewel Diamond Taylor was good (I bought her book)-but I haven't been motivated enough to read it.

As far as affirmations, I put them on places where I have to see them: the mirror. In the morning when I'm brushing my teeth, I read it. While I'm doing my hair, I read it. Now that I think about it, I need to put a new one in there. You'd be surprised what it does for you.

Remember the things that you HEAR manifest in your SELF. So say as many positive things about you to you. There's something in Iyanla's In the Meantime about this. It's a writing exercise. Write 75 times a night, "I forgive myself for thinking I ever did anything wrong." SF Lovely, try that.

I need to subscribe to Black Enterprise.

Happiness is around the corner. God didn't create us to suffer and be depressed and all that mess. At least not constantly. A sad day here and there, ok. Depressed, no.

I stopped reading Iyanla Vanzant when I read she is a Yoruba priestess. I know she has said some very positive things but, as a Christian I'm skeptical about what she says. I'm not downing her, I'm just being real. Thanks for the response. As usual you are Sisterhood personified.

Am I happy....
Personally--yes. There are a few problems, but its nothing that prayer, a little $$$, and long late night phone conversations won't help.
Professionally (in my case also academically)--yes. I had a bad spring semester, but my overall GPA is still pretty good, and my job is fairly easy (when was the last time you saw someone working their a$$ of at Lady Foot Locker http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif )
Emotionally--as of now, yes. As long as I can have a good cry every now and then....
Spiritually--yes. I thank God every day for all that I have been blessed with.

Also like sistarisin said, I don't take myself seriously sometimes. I'm extremely silly (at times) around people that I know. In fact, people that KNOW me ask what's wrong if I'm not acting at least 5% silly http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif.

i am getting there...the more that i care less about what other people think of me...the happier i get...i think though that anger appears in posts when people are unable or not willing to voice their opinions...engage in DISCUSSION...and not try to convince other people to believe what they believe...or assume that because someones point is strong...they are trying to convince you to agree with them...as opposed to just DISCUSSING the topic at hand...life is that deep...

http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/celesti...Picture_60.gif


[This message has been edited by CelestialBlu1 (edited August 12, 2001).]

YES

I can honestly say that I am VERY happy. Some things in my life are not where I want them to be, but I'm young and I'm working on that. All things in due time.

I don't let myself feel unhappy too often, because when I look at it, I really have nothing to be unhappy about. Everyday I wake up in a bed, in a house with all the modern ammenities. I have opportunities that some people will never have. I have to food to eat, clothes to wear, and a man to love. And, there are people in this world who love me and only want what's best for me.

There are billions of people in this world who can't say that they have one of these things. So, when I'm feeling unhappy, I do as my mother said and count my blessings.

In my opinion, if I were to be unhappy because I don't have the car that I want, or something as equally trivial, that would be a slap in the face to those billions of people in the world who would give their eye teeth to be in the position that I am in.

As I grow closer to Christ, I become happier, and that is no coincedence. The only things I am not completely happy about, are the things I have not completely put in His hands like I should. That's no coincedence either. But yes, I am fundamentally happy.

Yes I am happy, now...
I wasn't all too happy 2 months ago. I hadn't been for a loooooooonnnnng time . But I can safely say, that, now I am happy... I don't have a lot of what I want in life (goals-wise) but I am working on all of it. I am enjoying the fun days, the not-so-fun-days... And just life in general. Growing is a difficult and beautiful thing, and I love it!!

**ahem**

I'd like to sing a selcetion I chose for this occasion. Pianist, A minor please...

Me,me,me,me

If you're happy and you know it - clap your hands http://www.plauder-smilies.com/party/luxhello.gif

If you're happy and you know it - clap your hands http://www.plauder-smilies.com/party/yelclap.gif

If you're happy and you know it, then your face will really show it http://www.plauder-smilies.com/happy/biggrina.gif

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands http://www.plauder-smilies.com/party/yelclap.gif http://www.plauder-smilies.com/party/luxhello.gif

--- and to answer you're other question Ideal, I do laugh. I try to do it everyday. AS MUCH AS DAYUM POSSIBLE. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif