Purposeful Living Expert: Julie Reinwald
It has indisputably been a difficult time for countless people these past months, going on years.
It can safely be stated that we each know someone whose life has been drastically and negatively affected by the many events in our world. Therefore, it can feel inconsiderate, if not downright indifferent and egocentric, to be happy.
“We may find ourselves sabotaging our own happiness and justifying that with the false belief that we are somehow being useful.”
We Deserve To Be Happy:
Who would have the audacity to enjoy life right now? Worse yet, who would let others know about it by throwing that happiness in their faces? And more so for those of us who tend to experience guilt as a natural outgrowth of contentment or happiness. This can bring up conflict and split energy.
What if on some level, we don’t believe we deserve to be happy? Or, if we were taught as children that happiness should be sacrificial? It seems even more out of line to enjoy good fortune when others are suffering. We may find ourselves sabotaging our own happiness and justifying that with the false belief that we are somehow being useful.
But there is another way to see this dilemma, and that is through the lens of hopeful influence. Since “like attracts like” it’s actually more useful to others who are struggling if we spread positive energy than to purposefully tread in the trenches next to them.
“We have clearer heads during times of stability and peace, which gives us greater power to share.”
Caring About Others And Being Happy:
We may believe that by feeling deep pain for someone else’s situation, it helps them feel less alone and that we better understand what they’re going through. Let me be crystal clear here; this is absolutely not to say that empathy is inessential.
Caring about others and offering kindness and support whenever we can is always paramount. Especially in times like these, using discernment and sensitivity when sharing our good fortune should be assumed, of course.
But have you ever been in a dark place in your life when you needed people to lift you up and offer strength and hope that you could borrow? I’ve learned that it’s much more useful to cultivate our own peace and joy, and to emit that like a guiding beacon of light. We have clearer heads during times of stability and peace, which gives us greater power to share.
Happiness And Positive Energy:
The more people who are graciously enjoying their current blessings, the more vibrant and powerful the energy with which to empower others. We will all experience good times and difficult times.
When we are lucky enough to be going through the good times, let’s reach out and lighten the load for someone else, knowing that at some point we’ll benefit by being the recipient of another person’s happiness and positive energy.
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About the Author:
Julie Reinwald is the author of Design a Magical Life, Leave a Meaningful Legacy. Her early career as an interior designer still influences her style and her brand. But a huge pivot took place on her trajectory when a close family member descended into a years-long abyss of mental health issues, alcohol abuse, and attempts to take their own life. For Julie, the subsequent years would be an all-consuming progression from paralyzing fear and guilt, to acceptance, to healing, to letting go, and finally, to joy. She uses her experiences as a way to inspire and empower others in designing lives of courage, vitality, and adventure, and creating meaningful legacies of hope and love. Join her on the journey on Instagram.
