The tides are a changing

How does one find happiness?

These long winter months, (yes I continue to say that as the snow trickles down) have been a challenge to find just that. What makes me happy? Being housebound, with the never ending snow can be more than a little depressing. Not that I was always housebound. But if you read a few posts prior to this you will understand that one of my enjoyments (working out and the gym) was a little side tracked with a knee injury. Blah. 

So I needed to get to the root of the problem. Why was I so unhappy? Sure weather played an impact. Sometimes the feel of sun, warmth and light is revitalizing. Seriously. Cheesy maybe for some. But we have had glimpses of it during this periodic snowfall (seriously, poor Canada this winter) and it has been fantastic. Feeling more energetic just uplifts the mood. 

I wasn't the only one that felt the winter blues. Talking to a few friends and family and the lack of sun has soured many. This forced my partner, and my parents to make a pact for next spring break. Sunshine is in our future and we are going to seek it out no matter what. 

Weather wasn't the only thing that impacted my mood. I took on an incredible opportunity to work in a casual job on top of my current position. I was happy to get the job but I was working my 3 jobs more than I personally wanted to. 

I didn't realize it at the time, but it was impacting my mood at home. Increasingly grumpy, tired as my get away from work became chores, errands and sleep. I missed my friends. I missed talking to my family. And I missed my partner. In particular I missed happy times with my partner. It seems unhappiness spreads. When one is sad and miserable the other tends to get to be the same. Doesn't make for a happy household. 

However good things come out from this. Family are ever so encouraging. They had my back no matter what. Put a smile on my face. Listened to my fears. Loved me. Friends were the same. And don't dismiss my partner. We learned different ways to communicate and to continue on, growing further in our relationship. 

The next descison was a particular hard one. But I decided to leave my current job and delve into the casual one over the summer. It is something that I am interested in and why I chose my current career. I am excited at the opportunity for learning, and growth. 

But I have to say I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to work in the hospital that I did. I learned so much and met some incredible people. I learned the essence of teamwork. I learned how to deliver safe, effective patient care while maintaining my integrity and compassion. I really couldn't have asked for more. But after a year and a bit. I am ready to move on. 

So the tides are a changing. And it scares me but truthfully I have a sense of immeasurable relief and glimmers of happiness. This last year happiness has not always been easily achieved. Something hard to write about on a blog about happiness. But maybe it's not suppose to be easy! 

Presently I am reading 'Prime' by Ariana Huffington. She said something that impacted my present quest. Happiness takes practice. Making an effort to be happy, finding mindfulness and seeking out simple pleasures can help ones own emotional well being. So I am going back to the beginning. Some of these things will be shared on my blog. Others in my life. But let's just say I am excited at the new prospects my life will bring.  

Love