#3- Can You Learn to be Happy?

Have you ever trained a puppy?  For some, this question brings back good memories.  For others, images of wet carpet spots or puddled floors appear.  But with any amount of persistence, Fido or Fifi learned to go outside.  Why?  Because he learned to.  It's that simple.

Some people are convinced they will never learn- especially if they are a bit older.  You hear them say things like: "I can't remember anything".  With a mind set like that, they are RIGHT!  You have to believe that you can or you won't.

Think back on learning to drive, or the time you learned how to search the web, or how to ride a unicycle (o.k, a unicycle is pushing it- but if you can learn to ride one of those things then Mars is the limit!).  The point is, nobody learns overnight.  Learning takes time and persistence and sometimes nothing short of fire in your belly.  In fact, a lot of the times, learning requires ONE STEP forward and TWO STEPS back.  You will have good days and.....well, you get the idea.

But believe it or not, you can learn to be happy regardless of what happens to come your way.  Difficult circumstances, health issues, or changes in finances or marital status do not have to be the end of your world.  Instead, they can be gauges to show you how well you are performing on your newest course.  This may sound harsh- I know- but it's the truth.

Life's too short to be unhappy.  And I promise you this, nothing in this world can provide you ultimate happiness- not a million dollars, or perfect health, or a stock photo marriage.  In fact, all of these things have the potential to make you UNHAPPY!

How then do we reach the heights of joy?  One move at a time.  Sometimes we fall and sometimes we stand tall.  So don't let the mindset of defeat set in- seize the day!  Give up and go up today!

#2- Are You Stuck?

Anyone who has ever skied, has had the pleasure of having the chair lift hum to a stop. There you are dangling above the trees while you should be swishing down the slopes with your friends. Which begs the question: “Have you ever been stuck?” Not just on a chair lift, but in general: relationally, work wise, financially?

I have, so I know how you’re feeling. In fact, just last winter I was stuck more than I knew. So I did what some people do. I told someone.

The person I told was kind and generous and he even offered to meet with me every month or so to help me move forward. The results have been phenomenal!!

Should you choose to get unstuck, it doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve given gifts to the person who helps me, but it’s not always necessary. Perhaps someone in your inner circle or the circle of a friend could help you out. Perhaps they just have a lot of experience or they are actually an expert in their field. You could even get a book or DVD from the library to get you started for FREE! As someone once said: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear!”

Why not start today? In the words of pastor/teacher Andy Stanley: “A mentor will help you go further faster! So don’t wait to learn and get burned. Pick up the phone today or send the email. Who knows, one day soon you may find yourself sitting in the Lodge around a crackling fire with your friends sharing some Hot Chocolate and talking about some of the amazing developments in your life!  Walk through the door.