Quick question for you. (Please respond!)

Are you naturally happy or do you work at it?

(There's no right answer!)

Last week I mentioned in a blog post that I am not a naturally optimistic person. I got some notes from folks wondering whether this was really true. And I've been thinking about it a lot. I am optimistic about many, many things. I have a tremendous amount of joy in my life. I have a rich and delightful life. But I am not naturally optimistic. Nor am I naturally happy.

I usually wake up with anxiety. And throughout the day I have tons of monkey mind chatter full of doubt and fear. I'm often lethargic and would love nothing better than to crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head, hiding from the endless karmic list of things to do and be. I've got a tough judge inside my head whom I have to keep a close eye on because he'll tear me to shreds given half a chance.

This whole Simply Celebrate world grew out of my desire to transform anxiety, fear, and depression into something else. I started creating practices for a joyful life eons ago, when I was a kid. It's been a lifelong practice of mine to seek ways "out of the dark room and into the light room" as my teacher, Cheri Huber would say.

So while I wish I were one of those people who was lucky enough to get the "happy gene" and who dances out of bed each morning with a grin on her face, it's okay that I'm not. I got something else. I got the good fortune of learning that optimism can be created. Energy can be created. Joy can be created.

In my life, joy is a practice. And rather than bemoan the fact that it doesn't come naturally, I think I'll practice being grateful that I know where to find it.

I'd love to hear whether you got the happy gene or whether you practice, too!

P.S. If you're reading this via email, click here to comment. I realize that not everyone is on Facebook and I apologize for the FB-only comments. The blog was getting spammed left and right and this solved that problem for the moment. Until I figure out something else, if you aren't on FB and want to comment, simply email me your comment and I'll post it for all to see and appreciate!

PPS: The artwork on this post was created by my son, Kayne. And it is a perfect example of practicing joy. On New Year's Day I made him to watch the sunset with a group of folks. He really didn't want to go. But he brought a book he really liked. And he ate a bunch of raspberries while there, which he loves. He also told some jokes to make everyone laugh. When we got home, he created this "sunset" artwork on the iPad. It truly illustrates the practice of moving from pain to pleasure. Thanks, Kayne!