Wayne Dyer is one of my favorite people. Not only as an author and fantastic speaker but because -
He deals with real people in real life.
I don’t know if the following story is in one of his books or I heard him tell it at a seminar a long time ago.
I am paraphrasing it here in my own words. Hope he doesn’t mind because I think of him fondly every time I think about it. It is so true.
When we are in grammar school, we think, “When I get out of this stupid little school – then I will be happy.”
In high school, “Can’t wait to get out of here. Get into college. Have some fun. Then I will be happy.”
In college, “”When is this all going to be over? Need to get started in a real job. Then I will be happy.”
On to the next group –
“When I meet my soul mate, then I’ll be happy.”
“When we get our house, then I’ll be happy.”
“When we have children, then I’ll be happy.”
“When the divorce is final, then I’ll be happy.”
“When I find a person who really understands me, then I’ll be happy.”
“When all the kid’s tuitions are paid, then I’ll be happy.” “When I retire from this exhausting job and get my pension, then I’ll be happy.”
CUT TO -
Sitting on the beach in Fort Lauderdale with another retiree. And talking about “the good old days.”
When we haven’t had one good day.
For a companion article on Wayne Dyer – click here
http://www.personal-growth-with-corinne-edwards.com/wayne-dyer-the-real-deal/
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s all a matter of perception, isn’t it? It’s good to be reminded of something like this, especially around New Years Day.
There is much truth to your message. It seems we cannot enjoy one day at a time. I have a tremendous, inspiring book for you to read: “How Starbucks Saved My Life” It is a charmingly written autobiography by a man who had sbsolutly every thing, lost it all and for the first time found true happiess as a coffee server in a green uniform at Starbucks. Read it! WOW!
Happy New Year, Corrine!
How true it is.
And so often it only takes the little things.
Today is supposed to be the happiest day in our life.
Great article, Corinne!
Have the happiest day in the year 2007 today, and happiest days coming in the 2008!
Happy New Year,
Robert
That’s very meaningful.
The key to be happy is to appreciate every moment you have.
So true Corinne
Happy new year!
Alex
One of my favorite quotes is “Seize the Day!!!” Have a Happy New Year. Why is it that we feel there is always something more or it could be better. Children really have a way of changing that way of thinking. Any time there isn’t crying, diaper changing/potty training or whining, life is good!
Corinne,
I admit it! I’m 71 y.o. and still say “if only.” On the other hand I count my blessings, I’m just acultly aware of the voids.
Hope springs eternal in the new year.
Love,
Sondra
Reed, thanks for the heads up on the book. Definitely going to read it!
Raymond, Robert and Alex – I really appreciate your commenting on my blog. Happy New Year to all!
Hi Corinne,
Happy New Year to you too. I wish you have a fantastic and a prosperous New Year
Dear Cindy -
“Crying, diaper changing/potty training and whining” are probably the best years of your life.
My sister, June, who has had (and survived) six kids – and me who had four boys one after the other now say -
“Funny how we didn’t know that when we were dirt poor, most harried, exhausted and aggravated with all those kids -
it was the happiest time.”
I promise by the time they are married they will be out of diapers, potty trained and will have stopped whining. And you will miss it!
Thank you for commenting on my article. Please come back.
Sondra -
You are 71 beautiful years young!
And besides, you don’t look it! Keep on with keeping on!
Great sentiment for the dawn of a New Year.
I used to be one of those “only if” or “when X happens” people. Then I faced a life-threatening illness. It changed my perspective on life completely. I’m now thankful for each day and have found that happiness is the journey of life itself, not a destination.
If you ever get a chance to read my debt free blog, you’ll see I’m not exactly in a great place financially, but I’ve been poor before and those were the happiest times of my life. Chasing money and everything that went with it was empty. Now I’m poor again, but it doesn’t define me. I’m happy because I’m doing things that I love, I have a wonderful family and friends and I’m blessed. I only hope to be a blessing to others.
Dear Sherri -
Here’s to you – and more vibrant health in the New Year!
I think there are two kinds of people -
Those who are rich – but are temporarily poor
And those who are poor – but are temporarily rich
Sounds like you are the first of the two!
I am sure you are a blessing to your friends and family.
This is to true Corinne. Sad but true. We never take the time to truly appreciate the moment we are living in. Tomorrow is always where nirvana lies. It’s taken me most of my life to realise this and sometimes I have to keep reminding myself to have that awareness.
Dear Karen -
I wrote this article for me as well as everyone who happens to read it.
Life sweeps by so fast. We have to remind ourselves to STOP and enjoy what we have right now.
I am just so happy now!!!
Corinne,
I do love the stage of babies. They are precious even though they are exhausting. I wouldn’t trade this moment for anything. Thank you for the smiles.