robertjansenblog

“When a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world it can cause a hurricane in another part of the world.” 

Author Unknown

So you find yourself here. This place, this time, right now. When did you turn down this road that took you so far?

We’ve all heard the story about the butterfly that flapped its wings – cause and effect. It flaps its wings and stirs the air which in turn kicks into a draft and then a breeze and then wind. Life and how it is at this moment is a result of choices. Choices that you made long ago got you to this point today. You may not cause a hurricane or even a storm but what you choose to do determines where you go. Choices determine whether you are happy or sad, successful or broke, living alone in the wilderness or downtown Manhattan. And you can change this path if you wish.

If you find yourself spinning your wheels or unhappy or plain depressed, what got you here? Do you continue to make the same choices over again even though they keep you where you are? Or do you jump out of your comfort zone to break away from this place? Do you even recognize the choices as bad ones? I did not. Sometimes we make choices that we think will change our current situation for the better when in fact, it keeps us exactly where we are. People tend to think when ‘a’ happens, then I will be happy.

Rick Warren has said it best – “The popular idea of happiness involves having the right circumstances. It’s what I call “when and then” thinking. “When I get out of school, then I’ll be happy.” “When I get a job, then I’ll be happy.” “When I get married, then I’ll be happy.” “When I have kids, then I’ll be happy.” “When the kids leave home, then I’ll be happy.”

Choose to be happy – simple, not easy. Life can be difficult, that is a fact for all of us. Some people may make life look easy, but we all have a story.