Written by: Lydia Petrigova on TUESDAY, JAN 23, 2024
Have you ever experienced a moment when time seems to stand still, and the world around you brims with boundless potential? Today, as I celebrate my birthday, I find myself immersed in such a moment—a culmination of freedom, joy, and fulfillment that ignites every fiber of my being.
The sheer satisfaction I experience stems from my HAVEs surpassing my WANTs. This day grants me liberation from attachments, enabling me to focus solely on my intentions. While I am well aware of my desires, I also wield the mastery to manage them; they do not dictate or control me. This notion of intention without attachment births a magical flow, allowing me to move through life’s currents with ease and grace.
As I take a sip of hot water infused with lemon, my senses are engulfed in this enchanting elixir of health. Each moment of this experience is savored as I remain fully present. Today, my thoughts are firmly rooted in the present moment, each action serving as a revolutionary transformation, bestowing upon me a priceless gift.
Gratitude overwhelms me as I realize that I am blessed with more than I ever dared to dream of. Tears of happiness stream down my face, an overflow of joy that emanates from the depths of my heart. This overwhelming feeling is love in its purest form, elevating me to a state of utter completeness and happiness. With profound gratitude, I extend my thanks to Life, God, the Universe, and the Infinite Powers, allowing my appreciation to flow boundlessly in all directions, perpetually.
The power we hold as creators of our own destiny is truly awe-inspiring. Each day, we have the opportunity to shape our reality, whether it be long or short, stressful or relaxing, satisfying or dissatisfying, memorable or mundane. We are the architects of our experiences, crafting each moment with intention and purpose. For those who hold a special reverence for their birthday, there exists the potential to recreate that sense of joy and celebration endlessly. It’s not about replicating a specific day but rather embodying the essence of happiness that it represents.
I refrain from merely seeking happiness in fleeting emotions or moods, as their reliability is dubious at best. Instead, I choose to embrace the belief that happiness can be created and recreated at will.
The Happiness Formula that guides my life is elegantly simple:
Happiness = Enjoyment + Satisfaction + Meaning.
While I may not be the originator of this formula, I am certainly its most ardent practitioner, and the results speak for themselves.
Enjoyment arises from activities that bring me immense pleasure, yet true joy requires the presence of two vital components: shared experiences with others and the creation of enduring memories. Whether it’s teaching a dance lesson to a single individual or captivating an entire audience with a performance, the connection forged with others and the indelible memories created fill me with boundless joy. Even amidst unfamiliar surroundings, such as enjoying an açaí bowl by the waterfront, the presence of like-minded individuals imbues the experience with a sense of peace and contentment.
Satisfaction, the next component of the Happiness formula, is derived from overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goals through concerted effort and perseverance. Winning another dance competition, acing an exam, or launching a new business venture may not suffice to satisfy me unless they are accompanied by a challenging journey. It is through adversity that the sweetness of victory is truly savored. Surprisingly, the satisfaction gleaned from overcoming losses far surpasses that of previous victories. Every challenge, every setback, every exertion serves as an essential ingredient in the alchemy of my happiness.
Lastly, there is Meaning—the very purpose that gives life its profound significance. The question of why I exist serves as a compass, providing clarity and direction in the midst of life’s uncertainties. As a mother, a wife, a dancer, and a human being, I recognize that my purpose transcends mere material pursuits. While I may not awaken each morning with a clear sense of purpose, I find solace in the knowledge that pondering the question “Why does it matter that I am alive?” offers a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. With a clear vision, obstacles are but stepping stones on the path toward realizing my dreams.
While today commemorates the anniversary of my physical birth, every day is an opportunity for rebirth. Each day presents you with the canvas upon which you can paint the portrait of the new YOU.
Consider every day as your birthday—a celebration of your inherent potential. With each passing moment, you are sculpting, refining, and expanding upon the essence of who you are. Embrace this journey with joy, satisfaction, and purpose, for you are the architect of your own destiny. As you create YOU with joy, satisfaction, and purpose, you are also revitalizing the abandoned YOU, breathing new life into your existence. Each day presents a fresh canvas upon which you can paint the portrait of your evolving self, seizing the opportunity to expand and grow. You are not just the expander of YOU; you are the creator of YOU, endowed with the power to shape your reality and manifest your dreams.
As you revel in the gift of today, I leave you with the timeless wisdom of the Dalai Lama: “Think more, feel less.” Reflect on what brings you joy, satisfaction, and meaning in life, and allow these guiding principles to illuminate your path forward.
Be HAPPY! Give YOURself a new BIRTH, and relish in the beauty of this DAY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
