Happiness. What is that, exactly? Is it winning a blue ribbon? Is it winning the lottery? Is it falling in love? Or does it take some kind of magic formula to achieve?

Would you believe me if I told you that happiness is a habit? So is unhappiness. Of course, there are life events that can change your feeling state, but the overall quality of your life is formed much more by your habitual thinking patterns than by exterior life events. It’s those habits of thinking that drive your emotions and your actions. Those habitual thought patterns determine how you respond to the challenges.

When a challenge shows up in your life, do you complain about it? Or do you take a positive action to handle it? Do you have a plan? Do you have a support system in place? Do you trust that you’re capable of dealing with problems, or are you usually overwhelmed?

You can see how riding horses is a terrific metaphor for how you handle life, can’t you? You can stay stuck in a problem, quit altogether, or make a plan to move forward. It’s totally up to you.

If you’re feeling unhappy with your riding, or anything else in your life, ask yourself these questions: Do I need more information? Do I need some help from someone else? Am I unhappy because I’m in the habit of being unhappy? Once you have those answers, you can decide if you want to spend the effort to move forward and create a happier, more fulfilling life. It truly is up to you.

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

I’m definitely a creature of habit. I get up at the same time every morning, eat the same breakfast, go outside and check out my usual places, and follow Rhett back in the house to sit at his feet while he reads the paper. From there, our day might be different, but mornings are always the same.

I’m also in the habit of being happy. I have a terrific life with a wonderful family, so it’s pretty easy for me to stay upbeat and positive. I don’t worry about bills or the economy or where my next meal is coming from. Jane and Rhett take care of all that. I have faith in them.

I know, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Yes, Indy, you’ve got a dog’s life. You have it easy. So, how can you give advice on happiness? You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

My reply is: you can be just as happy as I am if you choose to be. It takes a bit of faith to know that all will be well. No matter what happens in your life, or in the world, you’re going to be able to handle it. Worry won’t help, so why waste the energy? When worry starts to creep into your mind, simply decide to let it go. Trust that you will be okay. You always have been, and you always will be. All it takes to be happy is a well thrown tennis ball and a little faith. And if you don’t have faith, I will loan you some of mine. I believe in you!

So keep smiling! All will be well. ALL WILL BE WELL!

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602