Finding Happiness In The Quiet

I find it easy to feel happiness when life is exciting and I feel a real sense of purpose. What’s hard is feeling happiness when life seems like it’s on auto pilot and I’m not quite sure if I am living out my purpose or not.

I am living out my purpose in those quiet moments of life and so are you.
There is beauty in the quiet.

I don’t mean the literal quiet, because if you have children you know that quiet rarely exists, and if it does exist you know something fishy is going on. When I refer to “the quiet” I mean the simple every day tasks that after awhile can seem mundane and boring. So often I hear of friends and acquaintances wishing the quiet away and longing for adventure, I’ve been guilty of this too.
When you step back and look at what you may perceive as boring and routine you just may begin to see beauty and purpose.

You may see making meals, helping with homework, bath time, and bedtime routines as life on autopilot. I see it as investing in your family and teaching them the value of family and skills for their future.
You may see weekends spent in gyms and arenas predictable. I see it as teaching your kids the value of responsibility, respect and teamwork.
You may see going to work everyday mundane. I see it an opportunity to give thanks for an income, and an opportunity to spread joy, love and hope in our world.
You may see yourself as stuck and the “right doors” not opening. I see it as God preparing and teaching you in the quiet, for the plans He has for you.

See where I’m going with this?

Don’t underestimate and devalue the season of life you’re in because it doesn’t seem glamorous. Some people are called to live big lives and some (most) people are meant to impact the world by showing up everyday, offering kindness and raising kind and compassionate children.

Adventure is fun, don’t get me wrong and given the opportunity, take it! But there are also going to be seasons of quiet. Instead of wishing those seasons away, or living for the next big adventure or promotion, shift your thinking to appreciate and find value and purpose in the quiet. When you look at happiness as a destination you will never be genuinely happy because you will always be waiting and looking for the destination instead of all the beauty and purpose that is right in front of you.

Today I encourage you to step back and try to shift your thinking. Choose happiness and appreciation in the quietness of life, right here, right now.

Happy Rise Up Monday, Everyone!