#OurTribe member Stacie Lambert deBlieux shares her secret of happiness
So today Lucie asked me if I was happy. I said yes and she asked why. I gave her some answers (including finishing chemo today) and then asked her the same thing. She said she was happy too and named some things like her pets, family, music, etc. This is what I told her in response. It is something that goes with the theme I have been posting about throughout my treatment–small kindnesses. But this is broader.
“Happiness can be easy to achieve if you know some tricks. First of all, know that there are some things in life that you cannot control. For the things you can control, you should find ones that make your life more peaceful and do those things. You mentioned that the pretty decor in the house makes you happy. That is something you can control that helps make life peaceful. Other things, like the company you keep and the general job you do can also give peace.
Then there are things that bring you joy. These are little things you can look for everywhere in your life. I get joy from things like a good cup of coffee, the way my twinkle lights look when I walk outside, listening to a good song, holding a pet, a good laugh, pretty flowers…things like that.” Joy is a short-lived, fleeting emotion, but it is everywhere. You just have to look.
Then there are things in life you cannot control that make you sad or upset or mad. But like joy, those emotions are momentary and short, as long as you work on keeping the rest of your life peaceful and keep looking for the joy.
That is the trick to happiness.”
So…with that being said, I share this video of me breaking the I-finished-chemo bell today. I hope it brings you joy, in the form of a good belly laugh.
Do you have a story you would like to share? Did you also ring the hell out of your chemo finish bell? Comment below, or better yet, join our Private Facebook Group. We’d love to have you in #OurTribe!