Do you guys have any of those friends who are just happy…ALL THE TIME? Every time you see them, they bubble with smiles, give you the biggest hugs, and they just exude sunshine. There was a time when I was annoyed with those types of people. They can't REALLY be that happy…all the time…can they? But then you know what I realized once I became friends with a few of those "very happy people"?
1. They are not actually happy all the time. They are real people like all of us and have ups and downs and sometimes things suck for them, too. But, they CHOOSE to be positive even when things aren't going their way. And, in turn, that helps them to feel happy MOST of the time.
2. When you are around people like this, it makes you a happier, more optimistic person. I've spent the past few years trying to have less negativity in my life, surrounding myself only with people who inspire and uplift me, and trying to be a bit more sunshine-y so that I can make those around me feel more positive, too. The world isn't perfect (and sometimes it's actually pretty frightening) but one thing we can all do for one another is simply to give off a little more sunshine.
P.S. Have you seen this video? Now THAT is some serious sunshine.
{Photo by Casey Brodley, styling by Julia Wester. Flamingo from Poppies for Grace, blanket from Madewell, confetti from Oh Happy Day}
I have a friend like that always happy & super optimistic. It’s infectious it rubs on to you ๐ The best part was people would get attracted to him and his happy smile so easily. The positive you are the more positive you attract!
I’m this person! My life is far, FAR from perfect. I’ve been through crappy things in my life. But I choose to focus on the positives of daily life, I try to see the silver lining in crappy situations, and just generally try to be thankful for all of the good things in my life. Do I get pissed off? Of course. Do I get sad? OBVIOUSLY. But I’ve really, really found that if I’m the positive one, it completely rubs off on other people. So if I want to be happy, I want the people around me to be happy, and if I can help make that happen, why wouldn’t I? I also limit the amount of time I see my “debbie downer” type of friends. I just don’t have time for it. Life is to short to sit around complaining all the time.
I love this. I agree, we all have our own shit, but how we handle it can inspire others.
I try to be one of those people who are happy all the time, I know that isn’t always possible, but I do my best. Being around others definitely helps with it. Nice thoughts!
Allison http://allisons-eye.com/
I love that. I am still working on it!!
Joy
Totally! I think I realized it even more so after having kids. If there is a day that Iโm grumpy, then my daughter notices it and it affects her mood, too ;(
Joy
So true! Thanks for sharing that!!
Joy
I like chill people, people that are relaxed and easy going, not apathetic, but just go with the flow. There’s an obstacle? Instead of freaking out first they troubleshoot. I’m trying but definitely don’t always succeed at being this person.
I don’t think think these are the people you’re talking about but–I have met a few people that seem happy all the time, and are always posting happy things on social media. It *can* be really infectious hanging out with them, they scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream! But from my experience, these people are happy because they think showing sadness is a weakness. No one likes to be around a debby downer all the time, but there are times when you want to be able to safely express that things aren’t going so hot–and it’s okay.
I feel like you’re talking about the type of people that are always ready to crack a joke during stressful times, lend a hand to a friend in need even when they’re dealing with their own stuff. Yeah I really like those people–but I guess I know that they’re not cheery all the time ๐
Yeah totally. Iโm not talking about people who pretend not to have any problems or that life is perfect but that they donโt let stuff get to them so much that it brings other people down. And that being around them bring you up!
Joy
I had a friend like that in college. Once we were good good friends, he would actually share the things that were bothering him, bringing him down – I really appreciated that he would open up. But then one of his many friends would walk by, and he would just completely 180 and turn on the happy. It was never annoying, you would walk away from him feeling 100x better. And it was his gift!
I love this and thank you so much for talking about it! Lately it seems like there is so much negativity floating around, that it can be a challenge to seek out those who would rather focus their energy on the positive. It can be a good exercise, to seek out the best part of your day and one that I try and practice. Your words ring so true and I whole heartedly appreciate your putting it out there!