Struggling? Upset? Tap Your Happiness Reserve

If you get up every morning shaking your head over everything that is going on, you are not alone. Most of the people that I talk to are taken back by the challenges that we are facing with the pandemic.  These are people who have always worked hard, made things come out right, and never backed down from a fight. They know how to create a happy life for their families and do so. Much of their strength comes from a special happiness reserve created for them.

When I talk to them, memories of our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all come floating up as we remember things they said and did to survive and thrive.

They were born in a time when everything took hard work, but they had the spirit to respond. They knew how to make their own happiness. If we think about it, we might tap that happiness reserve remembering those who have always been there for us, and how they handled challenges time after time.

My grandmother was there for all of us - She had seven children with lots of ups and downs along the way, but that never slowed her down. When I went to visit her, she always had a smile and a fresh slice of banana loaf bread or pudding for me. She was busy every day of her life and that was the way she wanted it. She thrived on keeping a large boisterous family happy.

My uncle followed in my grandmother's footsteps - He and his wife raised a beautiful daughter, built a wonderful home, and never stopped helping others in the family. The family knew they could count on him.

My grandfather never knew a stranger - He could talk to anyone and often did.  He was the perfect companion for my grandmother, full of love for his large family, and always willing to listen and help. We all called him Pop, and we knew we could turn to him when times got tough.

My mom never stopped working - She was the oldest in a large family and often had to step up and lend a helping hand to keep her brothers and sisters going. Later she brought that willingness to help her own family as she created a comfortable home, wonderful meals, and an amazing garden full of flowers and vegetables. She worked in every way that she could to help her family thrive.

My aunt was the family baker - When she thought you needed one she would bake one of her perfect raspberry pies and deliver it with a big smile and a bigger hug. Her pies made a lot of people feel loved and special.

Think about the people in your family and the friends that you have known who have used their talents, skills and abilities to help you. Tap that happiness reserve and use it every day to survive and thrive.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chula Vista, Calif.