I truly love the people in my life for they bring lots of good blogging subjects to light. My youngest son came into my office yesterday evening and we had such a good conversation that I knew I must share it with you.

We spoke about being happy. What makes us feel happy and how to find it. He is at a point in his life where he isn't feeling pleased about the direction in which his life is going. From my perspective, I feel his life is just beginning. He's twenty-five years old and ready to embark into another phase. Yet, he isn't feeling happy inside. So, I shared my perspective on happiness with him.

Happiness isn't something outside of your own self. It's not an object, not another person or even money. Those are fleeting moments of happiness. Once you have the girl/guy, spent the money, obtain the object, you're back to square one. Looking for something else you think will make you happy. Always wanting more, never content with what you have.

I gave him several examples of things that had made him excited and happy in the past. Things he saved his money to buy. Sometimes it took him a year or two to buy those big objects. All the possessions in his room that he has, he thought at one time or another would make him happy. Yet, here he is back to square one and not feeling joyful.

I explained to him what makes me happy, truly happy on the inside. I have learned that happiness comes from within. What makes me happy is knowing I am loved. I have wonderful people in my life, husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and awesome friends. I am truly blessed. I am happy that all are doing well and are healthy. Although, we currently live in a smaller house than we have been used to in the past, I am happy that it is in a good neighborhood and we can walk to the local restaurants, shops and coffee houses. I am happy that I work with wonderful people with terrific attitudes and I make a good living. I am happy that we have food to eat, a nice place to live, comfortable beds to sleep in, and fabulous little furry children that are well taken care of. We are so very, very blessed. There's so many more things I'm happy about, but listing them all would be another book!

What helped me to get to this point was changing my perception from focusing on what I didn't have to what I am thankful that I DO HAVE. I believe that once you start looking at all the positive things in your life, the Universe opens up and gives you more positive things to be happy about. When all you can see are things that make you feel unhappy, the universe will continue to give you more of the same. Change your thinking now! No matter how hard you believe it is to change your thinking to being positive, do it anyway. Make it a game to find something to be grateful for in your life. Maybe it's a fabulous person you work with, maybe it's getting a raise, maybe it's being able to buy something to eat, you got a free cup of coffee, etc. No matter how small a thing it is, be happy for it anyway.

Do I worry? I took up praying a long time ago. Part of the reason is because I realize that this is a HUGE world we live in and I cannot be everywhere at once, watching over my children or family. Praying for protection is always part of my daily prayer. I say prayers twice a day, morning and evening. I leave all of my loved ones in higher hands, along with any worries and fears. That leaves me free to walk in peace, knowing that we are all protected and cared for by a much higher power.

Do I feel happy? Absolutely! My happiness comes from within. Everything else the Universe gives me is gravy. Prayer, and being grateful, helps me to create such a better world for myself. So, imagine it for yourself. Be grateful for what is good in your life. Leave your worries in higher hands and pray them away, knowing that they are being handled for you. Once you see the wonderful and positive aspects of your life, the universe will bring you many more good things to be joyful about. Great things and happiness are just around the corner. Believe it!