Today - happy or sad?

It has clouded over and is freezing cold. Nevertheless, I have cracked through a satisfying amount of dull admin and done some even duller ironing so I feel I am somewhat on top of things for now. Whenever I feel that life is not delivering a gold plated, five star experience I remind myself that I could be teaching bottom set year nines which I used to have no choice about. Here I am in my own (unheated) home, with freedom and autonomy, peace and quiet. It's bliss. I don't do ecstasy and joy; I do contentment.

As many have already said I feel blessed that I'm not beset with problems but I'm not really sure that happy is a good description either - content might be more appropriate. We have had a lovely weekend with old friends just rekindled after 30 years and work is not too stressful this week. My husband never seems to be 'happy' though and his mood can change from being cheerful to quite depressed in the blink of an eye - I don't know if this will ever change even when he retires which seems to be his main goal in life now. Live for the day should be our motto not forever striving for the impossible fairytale life.

To all the sad ones, can I recommend frequent, and strong, coffee.

maddyone

I'm not unhappy so am I happy? I went for a swim and that always makes me feel good. I have a lot to be worried about but also many blessings and rarely feel unhappy for long. I had a dodgy childhood and was the most miserable teenager. I wanted to become a Carmelite nun so I would never have to talk to anyone ever again!

Lovely sunny day but I take each day at a time. Reading my homes and antiques magazine and drinking a mug of chai tea. Sending you all good vibes for the days ahead.

We are going to dinner tonight with my lovely sister-in-law.

I enjoy her company and we get on really well so happy about that BUT I hate the journey there as the traffic is so heavy whatever way we go. So NOT happy about that at all.

I am very happy today, yesterday my DD had here 1st scan - 11 weeks pregnant (another scan in 2 weeks) so 2nd GC on the way.

Boiler Serviced so should be nice & warm this winter, also Wall Insulation work started (I live in a Park Home) & continuing well today, just hope rain holds off, already had underfloor insulation done

Podiatry check this morning (Type 2 Diabetic), all good, all in all I'm a "happy bunny". I'm a positive person & try not to let things get me down. Love a "good whinge" at times, shall be glad when American Election is over ??? although if Trump doesn't win he's going to cry "foul", "rigged election" so I imagine it's going to drag on & on

For all of you feeling down , or

Happy, happy, happy. I still have my DH whom I love dearly, DD,DS and DDil we really get on with and beautiful DGC we see regularly. Relatively good health and, although not wealthy, live comfortably. I often wonder what I've done to deserve it but just thankful for everything and long may it continue. Oh dear, hope I've not put the kibosh on it!

Sad. I'm really sad. My daughter in law's mum was supposed to be taking care of my granddaughter this week, as I'm having an op tomorrow. She promised she would cover for me this week. So to make up for it, I have been doing the bulk of childcare for weeks. She has now told daughter in law she is off on holiday abroad tomorrow with her other daughter and grandson and can't do it. She only told her daughter at the weekend after telling me the day before that of course she would cover. Daughter in law has a new job, so can't get time off. My son is away on business. What a mess. What really hurts me most is that my daughter in law's mother always favours her other daughter and grandson and my daughter in law is distraught. Her self esteem is rock bottom, as she realises what we all knew, her mum and dad prefer other daughter. How can any mother treat her child like this.

Jordana has started an interesting thread! What is "happy" after all? Reasonably content is perhaps more realistic.

Shanma - I am so sorry you feel so unhappy. I am feeling anxious and have been for a while. A good cry would probably help me.

KatyK - I had similar childhood experiences to you and am left with the anger and rage and a feeling of powerlessness. I try to remember a useful line yesterday - "Poor woman - what unhappiness she must have felt to want to share it with her own child."

I think arranging nice things to do today and in the future helps low mood. I try remind myself that no-one can be happy all of the time.

I try to keep my expectations realistic and not to worry about things I can't control. It's hard - I am thinking of doing more meditation and mindfulness exercises to detach myself from bad thoughts.

On the bus to Norwich to make the most of my Daughter and grandson before they move...

I am the crossest old woman on the planet, none of you come close I promise, so not many happy days for me. I do however remind myself of my blessings on a regular basis but they still do not amount to a purpose in life.

I have tried voluntary work and just become disillusioned with it all, so happy, not much, blessed yes. How does that equation work?

Maybe this explains it a bit. I certainly have felt this for years now.

newint.org/columns/essays/2016/04/01/psycho-spiritual-crisis/

Most days I put my pretend 'happy face' on but today I have woken with a horrible heavy headache so not feeling like it, good job I'm just at home today.

Every day is a good day because we are alive! I can make myself happy by thinking of all the good things in my life - of which there are many. I can become sad if I think of the bad things that have happened in my life - of which there are also many. I am a glass half full person, have wonderful family and friends, so overall I am happy! ?

Off to the gym shortly ... doctors orders! Don't mind really, gets me moving ... by choice I wouldn't move much at all. So yes I feel happy and pleased with myself for making the effort.
I find there is some happiness even on the bad days. Depends how you look at things I guess.

Sad most of the time since PD was diagnosed 10 months ago, also have severe sciatic pain down left leg for which I am having a spinal cortisone injection on Friday. I can only walk for about 5 minutes before pain is too intense to carry on. I am on 6 tablets a day for Parkinsons, anti depressants, painkillers & 2 types of high blood pressure tablets. I try to be positive, Dorset is a good county for help & advice & I am fortune to have a nice home, marvellous husband, 2 happily married children, one local & one 2 hours drive away & 3 lovely grandchildren. I do hope the injection will be a success as being unable to walk far restricts my activities & contributes to my depression.( should be fortunate not fortune)

Very unhappy today.

My happiness is yesterday based. I completed a job I've been 'planning'. (Ahem!) for eight months. Only took me three hours........ still revelling in the result and hope to be feeling the same for quite some time. Procrastination is my big downfall. Fully recognise it but can't find a remedy. Nobody 'suffers' but me but......it is an irritant. Today's target is to change the king duvet. Huh! Fact is I'm alive and relatively carefree and reasonably healthy. I'll settle for contentment every time. Happiness tends to be variable. I really appreciate the upbeat element of this net. Thanks to all positive contributors.

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, but will feel better when all this Clinton/Trump stuff drops off the tv.

Still got a cold - snuffling and spluttering, so will self-quarantine which is a good excuse to binge-watch The Crown on Netflix. So quite a happy day, I think.

Life experiences can determine how we feel. Every day of my childhood I was frightened and anxious and I am now a frightened anxious adult. I would love to say 'Tra la la, isn't life wonderful' but mine isn't/hasn't been a lot of the time. I do my best with what I've got. I've tried to be different, but I am what I am and at 67, I'm sure I'm not going to change now so I am trying to accept what I can't change. Many things in my life are good but I do find it hard to be happy. Sorry that got a bit deep!

A dull day here today so not staying at home. Off to a shopping mall for a coffee and cake but will definitely not be looking at Xmas things!

Great, the government are to close the barracks in Mid Wales , been there since 1805, home of the welsh regiments , the 24th reg. SWB which fought at Rooks Drift

The only important things in life are good health. enough money to eat, clothe yourself and keep warm and the health and happiness of those you love. All the rest is top dressing.
If you are depressed try watching Laurel and Hardy. I am reduced to helpless laughter when watching,Swiss Miss( the one with the gorilla and the rope bridge). Laughter is a wonderful pick-me up,