I found this card with an inspirational quote on it in the bookstore yesterday.
It spoke to me so much, I just teared up right there in the store.
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination…
For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life.
But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid.
At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.
This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness.
Happiness is the way.
So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.”
-Souza
I feel like we all grapple to find happiness constantly and the problem is that we look in the long-term when we should be looking for the happiness in each and every day.
It’s always excuses, excuses, excuses for why we are not happy.
If I only had that job, If I only had more money, If I only had a boyfriend.
It’s time to stop blaming all of these things and take ownership.
You are the only person standing in the way of your own happiness.
It’s time to stop making excuses and start living.
Australia really taught me how to live and take things day by day.
I get so caught up in the future sometimes I miss out on the present.
I went to listened to one of my favorite professors speak tonight. He began his speech by talking about something so simple, yet so overlooked. Saying “Hi” or even a simple smile to the person walking past.
It’s such a small thing but honestly, it can make your day just a little bright brighter, or even theirs.
People are so caught up in their Blackberry’s, Facebook, iPod. They lose touch with reality and lack the time for something as simple as meeting for coffee.
I could on and on about Corey’s speech… or you can just buy his book and have your own personal motivational speaker at your disposal 
Operation Beautiful is also another inspiring resource with a great mission.
Next to my mirror I have another greeting card with a quote on the front that I look at every morning.
It says: “Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, You’ll land among the Stars.”
My attempt at taking a photo of myself and the quote I have taped up next to my mirror.
Another failed attempt but look! I captured my Australian Flag in it too!
So today I challenge you: smile at least ten people you walk past today. Write down five reasons why you are happy today. And have a conversation, a real-life-in-person conversation, instead of sending someone a text message.
Casey
I’m going to take on your smiling challnge! I smile all of the time, but I am going to make an extra effort to smile even more! THANKS!
xoxox,
Kathleen
I’ll smile back at you via emoticon
hehe
Hey Good Morning….Great post Casey. Sometimes I hear people talking badly about todays youth. i always disagree with them. i think you guys are great and you have just sent me the proof. i always try to remember to “enjoy the ride” have a great day.
Thanks Colleen. Thanks for fighting for our youth
WOW! Food for thought, not injestion! Here are my words to live by: credit poet Louis Ginsberg – “Love that is hoarded moulds at last/ Until we know some day/ The only thing we ever have / Is what we give away”
I love that quote!
I LOVE your smiling challenge! I swear everyone that lives in California scowl at each other all the time- when I went to Colorado I was amazed at how friendly people were! I try to smile at everyone that passes me, but I always get weird looks. It’s totally worth it when someone smiles back though!
I try to do three-good-things thursday… I did a class on positive psychology awhile back in the fall and they found that writing three good things each day for a week had lasting effects on happiness levels, which I thought was really interesting!
So I pretty much love this post
I also wrote in a self-love post that I really like smiling at people and getting smiles in return… It just makes me feel liek maybe I”ve made somebody’s life just a tiny bit better, and that’sr eally what I hope to do in my life (as grossly cheesy as that sounds!)
sending you a cyber-smile
<3
n
Right back atcha!
I like the idea of three-good-things thursday. Definitely gonna add it to the repertoire
PS you are super pretty
I absolutely agree with everything, everything in this post. This precise concept, of not getting caught up in the future but living now, and being happy with each moment, has been at the forefront of my mind this week as I contemplate making a big change in life. Thanks dear!
P.S. RINGLET-HAIRED LADIES REPRESENT!
Excited to hear about what you have in store!
what a great post and so true about happiness, thank you for the inspiration and reminding me of what is really important
Whoa!!! That is one of my favorite quotes ever!! I’ve known it since 9 years ago, and it’s always been in my mind.
So crazy! That’s the first time I’ve seen it, but its so beautiful.