Feeling Good and Feeling Bad

What makes us feel the way we do? There are people who have next to nothing but are happy and there are vastly wealthy people who are unhappy. What makes us happy? Not wealth. Perhaps health? Probably not. People with chronic illnesses can be remarkably happy while those at the peak of health can be glum.

Happiness is a choice. How we are in the world is a choice. The glass is the size that it is and the fluid level is where it is at. It is neither full nor empty. It is. A glass. With water in it. Some water.

My cup overfloweth. My joys are immense. I have a beautiful life.

Next day. Nothing has changed.

I'm depressed and glum. Nothing is right. My place in the world should be used by someone who can appreciate it. I have no reason to take another breath of air.

Back and forth. Good days, bad days, same days.

I am the most fortunate of souls. I am free to spend my days in pursuits of my own choosing. I am my own boss. I am a free spirit.

I am the least fortunate of souls. I am condemned to a life of purposelessness. I have no boss, no job, no income, no easy way to define myself.

Todays and yesterdays blend into tomorrows. Good days and bad days.

What makes me happy? Chocolate and coffee? Some days that works. Some days I despise myself for slurping up more candy when I'm supposed to be on a diet. My clothes are tight and I eat chocolate.

What makes me sad? Essentially, the very same things that make me happy. One day my glasses are rose colored and all looks well with the world. Next day, not so much.

Some days I'm thrilled to even picture the chubby cheeks of my grandchildren and on the next day I'm bereft because I see them rarely and only for a few hours at a time. I spend more time in the car than I do playing with the kids.

I can argue for the good or bad in any situation. Each setback can be a learning experience. Each disappointment can be a springboard for growth. Each time something goes wrong I can prove that I am master of my fate by working to correct the flaws.

So, is it a good day or a bad day. I decide.