I have taken up the #100HappyDays challenge and today is Day 25. As I am sitting typing each word, I am not exactly happy. Yes, the chores leading up to Diwali have been taken care of. Slowly but steadily many things have been cleaned and re-arranged. I even managed to put the lights up in the balcony. It looks beautiful.
But just an evening before Diwali, I feel the silence within. I can hear crackers outside and I also hear it rain. A weird weather for Diwali and wrong timing. But that’s how it is.
As adults, we are bound by our circumstances. We are tied to what’s practical and how thinking makes choices rational. I love this time of the year and the festive spirit all around but what is it without family? But then I ask myself, can I change anything? The answer is a resounding NO.
So, what can I change?
I can change how I am feeling right now.
I can choose to feel miserable or I can get up, pull out my umbrella and buy sweets for tomorrow’s pooja.
I can go buy diyas.
I can smile looking at the lights I have set out between the plants. How beautifully those little bulbs are making the leaves glow.
I can share all this I am feeling with you readers and in turn hear about the things you did that made you smile.
Life is all about choices we make and staying happy is a choice.
So, today as I sit alone typing each word, I am choosing to be happy. Festivals are family time. Time to be with loved ones and cherish doing things that are special to the season.
So what if I am not spending this Diwali with family?
I am happy about the lovely weather.
I am happy to see the lamps and lights that are lit in every other house including mine.
That my neighborhood is buzzing with happiness.
Every other person, whether I know her or not seems to be wearing a smile.
There is good home-made food on my plate and it’s all that I like.
I am happy that my loved ones are healthy and safe.
I am happy that tomorrow I have a day off.
I am happy that I will have friends with me tomorrow.
Happiness is a choice. Make the right choice and get along with life. That’s the right thing to do, isn’t it?
Today is Day 10 of NaBloPoMo and NoMo.
happiness and food 
This is so very true, and so very, very well said! I am sorry you’re not with family during the holidays this year, but really admire the attitude of happiness you are choosing to take. All the very best to you. 🙂
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Thank you Laurel. Your words mean a lot! 🙂
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And here I am.. all alone, thinking about last Diwali when he was with me! My husband is away for work and I am missing out on celebrating all the festivals. I’m just a sad lil’ puppy! 😦
Happy Diwali!
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Aww! Similar case here but I went to my friend’s and had a lovely time. Also skyped with VT, showed him the pooja and it was not as bad. Smile! It’s important to see what’s positive 🙂
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Very true, Parul. When we adopt that attitude in most things in life, it becomes a habit. This year I am celebrating Diwali differently – by giving. Take care!
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Thank you Vidya. I read out the initiative you were involved in. It’s fabulous.
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Such a beautiful post this one, Parul. You are right. Happiness is a choice. I am glad you made that choice.
Hugs to you dearie. ❤ Wishing a very happy festive season to you and your family. 🙂
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Thanks much 🙂
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Happiness, indeed, is a choice. A beautiful post. Happy Diwali:)
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Thank you Vishal! Hope your Diwali was wonderful 🙂
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True Parul, happiness is a choice! And though I am away from home, our first Diwali abroad, I a grateful to the things I do have. I went and bought diyas, starting our own traditions and making the kind of change I want to!
Wishing you a very Happy Diwali! Love!
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Wow! You are going good! Hope you had a good one dear! 🙂 Hugs!
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How true
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Thank you!
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Indeed happiness is a choice. Thank you for writing this very positive post on Diwali day.
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Thank you Anamika!
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it indeed is a choice.. but when ego or other things come in between envy jealousy et etc etc then that choice becomes difficult …
Bikram’s
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and hey .. its ok if family is not there today .. TOMORROW you go home and with them celebrate the day again .. 🙂
take care Mam
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This tomorrow will be next year but yes – there is always a next time!
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That’s also correct!
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I really like this post a lot. I have been in the mind of happiness is a choice for a while now. I don’t always succeed but it gives me a better and different perspective. I try to approach things from a place of gratitude and it works most of the time because when outlining all the things and people I have to be grateful for it’s hard to still be upset. You are so right about making that choice.
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Thank you Porscha. I am glad you could relate. Yes, things upset all of us but if we never choose to get up, we will be always knocked down. So it’s important to make an effort. Glad you stopped by!
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I was sad that you could not come but your positive words made me happy . Atleast your brother was with us . Some thing is better than nothing . love u beta .
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That I agree 🙂 Love you too!
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Glad to see you still have so much to be joyful about.. Thank you for sharing this and the 100 Happy Days challenge!
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Totally agree with your point that happiness is a choice which all can make. We can always find 100 reasons to be sad or frustrated about. But where is sadness leading us to? As someone has said that it takes more energy and muscles to frown than smile :). So one should spend energy wisely ;).
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