My grandson, Logan, just came over and patted me on the head.  We then rubbed noses, like the Eskimos.  That small act of affection made me smile.  Little kids know all about finding happiness. But, there’s one thing I know for sure, with age comes wisdom.

Pain comes in different flavors. Whatever happens, may the bluebird of happiness give you Eskimo kisses.

Unhealthy relationships create debilitating personal pain, aka heartache.

This is a hard thing to say, but I’m gonna say it anyway. The pain that comes from a difficult relationship is almost always self-inflicted. It has only one remedy. Love thyself. Please enjoy this Dance Safari post, “Elevate Your Life – Raise Up, Lift Up, or Shut Up“.

Physical aches and pains caused by illness or circumstance make it hard to find happiness and enjoy life.

Don’t give up.  By all means, follow the advice of your caregiver but don’t hesitate to allow your body to help repair itself. You know your body better than anyone. Trust yourself to make the right decisions about how to be comfortable. I write this as I wait for the heating pad I ordered from Amazon to arrive.

Income vs outgo: when your finances cause a painful, empty feeling.

• Be creative in finding new sources of income.  Whether its a side gig like dog-walking or assistance from the government or private agencies, be pro-active. Nothing good comes from sitting around moaning and feeling sorry for yourself.
• Live the best life you can without overspending. To be sure, shopping at a dollar store and eating your meals at home are great ways to embrace living on a budget. Nevertheless, buy the best you can and, by all means, find happiness as you try new things.

Rejection, loneliness, and loss create emotional pain that can be overwhelming.

You are not alone. Reach out to others in person, by phone, or social media. Touch base with family and old friends. As a matter of fact, this is a terrific time to make new friends.

One way to meet people is to take a class and learn something new. Not only will you pick up a new skill, but you’ll also make a new buddy.  

Last, but not least, I’d like to recommend that you keep a journal about your activities. On the other hand, why don’t you write a blog and share your feelings with the world?

Amazingly, both employment and unemployment can be painful.

There can be pain associated with going to work, especially if it’s a job that you’re overqualified for or unappreciated at. If you find yourself dreading clocking in, you might want to consider a change. As difficult as that might be, spending a good part of your waking hours in a place you hate is harder.

Clearly, being unemployed has many drawbacks, not the least of which is we tend to see our value through the eyes of others. By that I mean, for some, self-worth is tied into success within their industry. For example, I might say, “I am a dancer!” rather than, “I am a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend“. The problem is, what happens when I don’t dance anymore? Am I less valuable?

Keeping that in mind, it’s important to prepare for and accept the right job. Learn as much as you can about the company and the position’s requirements. Research, ask questions, and study the industry and the company. This is key to obtaining the best job for you.

There are lots of apps that offer personality tests to help you make the right career choice. Check out this post and start your research soon. Prices run from free to $100+. Spend the time and money you need to ensure that you wake up with a smile, ready, and excited to go to work. What a sweet feeling!

Hopefully, you avoid the pain of a world turned upside down. But, if you should suffer, may it be short.