I am a stay at home mother, and as of July 28, all three of my children are in school. However short-lived, I have the time and space now to create. 

I’ve been asking myself the same question: How do I let go of the sadness I feel to experience joy around others? It is in my  nature to serve others, and I feel empty when I can’t do that. I want to make people happy, just as happiness has been bestowed upon me. When I see others unhappy, it pains me deeply. I want to help them, but sometimes I just can’t. I think the key is to remember that we are all human. We all have our own struggles and our own joys. When I see someone else’s joy, I need to remember that they have their own reasons for being happy. I can’t take away their happiness just because I don’t understand it, nor can they take mine. I have to accept them for who they are, and not try to force my experiences on them. It is easy to be happy when things are going well. It is in the hard times that we really have to dig deep and find that inner strength. I have to remember that my happiness is not dependent on others. Others may be able to influence it, but they can’t control it. I need to find joy in my own circumstances and not compare myself to others. I am the only one who can control my happiness. I can step away when needed for my peace.

I am grateful for that.