distractions.

So this post kind of coincides with my last one about happiness. But I want to get deeper into the issue of distractions.

Sometimes we don't even realize when we are being distracted. I would know because I recently discovered I was starting to get distracted from one of my main goals.

I'm a dreamer.

This is bad and good. Sometimes I day dream about what I want in the future... New car, a guy I like, having more money, what I want to do in the summer, etc. Which all are okay. But I realized sometimes I get caught up in those things that I miss what is going on day by day.

There's so much I want to accomplish in life. But sometimes all those ideas of my wants get in the way that I don't take action on what's important at the moment.

So how can I make sure I am on track?

Just a little me time. Every. Day.

I read a daily devotional and pray at the beginning of my day.
Sometimes I will journal when I'm not so busy.
Talking to God and true friends.
Music helps tremendously.
Drives around the lake.
Going to church.

This is why I absolutely love being in Haiti. When I'm there, I find myself more and more each year. I don't have all the distractions I have here. So when I'm here in good ole America, I make sure to really spend time by myself and God. Those are the moments I'm reminded of what my priorities are.

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all else the world needs dreamers who do." - Sarah Ban Breathnach

happiness.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

More then half of the population live below the poverty line. Only half of the Haitians can read and write. Knowing these two things, a person would expect to see sad people everywhere. You know, like those commercials on TV with depressing music playing and the children are just skin and bones. 

Well, I did see a lot of that....Too much to handle honestly.

But I also saw true joy.

What is that exactly? These people have nothing yet they are genuinely content with their lives. I've even talked to some Haitians who said they wouldn't want to live in America because there are too many distractions. Crazy, huh? 

"Happiness can never be found in the happenings of this world but in God."

Being truly happy shouldn't be based on materialistic things or another person. I know. So easy to say then actually living out. I like brands, food, shopping, etc... I've had my ups and downs with those that I care about hurting me.

But one thing I do (at some point), is allow myself to be sad for a certain period of time then I tell myself to stop. I talk to God and trust that His peace will give me comfort. And it always does, regardless if the problem is fixed or not.

There is no such thing as a perfect life. But in the hard times, it's important to remember that not every day is promised.

So on those bad days... It's okay to be sad, mad or whatever. Just don't let it last longer then it should. Sometimes it takes forcing ourselves to not think about it. Like staying busy, going to church, hanging out with family and friends, etc.

In my eyes, the people of Haiti are perfect examples of how to be thankful for what they have... And aren't dependent on their possessions or others around them.

No person or thing should have control over our happiness. It's so important to have true delight in life, no matter what is thrown in the way.