“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States

What does happiness mean to you? I’ve been reflecting on what it means to me this week after seeing an interview with Arthur C. Brooks who co-authored ‘Build the Life You Want’ with Oprah Winfrey. Their book addresses the art and science of getting happier! Can’t wait to read it! I’m curious how many of you focus on being happy right now. With so much distraction being available do you find time to feel and acknowledge when you’re happy? I find it’s very easy to focus on the ‘next’ thing without feeling and being in the moment when something is working for me. As I talked about what happiness means with my husband we both agreed that for us it represents satisfaction, contentment, and peace of mind. Rarely have I felt elation like a jumping up and down kind of happiness or joy; however, I’m willing to change and be more aware of how I feel and acknowledge when life is good for me.

As the energy of the Autumn Equinox begins late this Friday PDT, September 22nd, I wonder if the seeds of ideas, intentions, or plants will bring happiness to those of you that have consciously planted them. This is a time to harvest them. American motivational speaker and writer Denis Waitley has said that “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” Will you acknowledge the feelings of love and gratitude as your ideas and intentions materialize? Have you already reaped some of the benefits and have yet to acknowledge them? Hmm. This is a great time to do so. What if you expand how you view your harvest? For example you might ask, “How have my ideas and intentions affected others? Have they helped someone else besides me? How have they affected what I believe or my family and friends?” Remember, in our interconnectedness we can affect more than ourselves.

Are your ideas and intentions aligned with your soul? Indian lawyer and political ethicist Mahatma Gandhi has said that “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” If you aren’t in alignment then take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and ask, “What do I need to change and am I willing to change it?” If you’re willing to make changes then take action! I believe that happiness is something we can choose. If we aren’t feeling pleasure, peace of mind, or contentment then we can choose to do something different. How do you feel about it?

Please enjoy your week and celebrations and/or rituals you might practice to celebrate the Equinox. Be aware of how you feel when life is good. Are you happy then? What does it feel like? Will you remember the feeling and be able to recall it? I’m sending you lots of love and holding space for you!

I’m available by phone or Zoom for private coaching and channeled information sessions by appointment. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com. I’m also available for in-person sessions. Please call Storm Wisdom (602)334-1204 to schedule.