be happy in advance

October 11, 2012 in General

Here’s a story from my book, Four Word Self Help, about being happy in advance.

A friend told me a story recently about a 92-year-old man who had to finally move into a rest home after the death of his wife. The family was worried about how he would react. After waiting in the nursing home lobby, finally his room was ready. As he went to the elevator, someone described his room to him.

“I love it,” he said.

“But you haven’t seen it yet,” the nurse replied.

“It doesn’t matter,” he responded. “I’ve decided to be happy ahead of time.”

Deciding to be happy ahead of time seems simplistic. Most transformational decisions are.

Simple, and profound.

Today, whatever happens, decide to be happy in advance. Tell me below in the comments how this changes things for you. I’d love to hear.

Love,

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

8 comments to " be happy in advance "


Mary

October 11, 2012 AT 3:38PM

This made me cry, Patti. This was my mom and she’s been dead six years now. Oh, how I miss her!

Marie butler

October 11, 2012 AT 4:04PM

So far it’s worked for me….I am really happy with my new part time job as a research technician for UNL!

Tracy F.

October 11, 2012 AT 7:46PM

This is a great story! Very inspirational…

Juliann

October 12, 2012 AT 8:42AM

Wow! I just wrote in my journal that today is the day I am going to expect to be amazed and blessed by whatever the day brings – I am going to add, be happy in advance. Thanks so much

Lucy Sparks

October 12, 2012 AT 10:05AM

I am having a birthday party for myself this weekend. It’s the first time in over twenty years that I have had a party. The last few weeks and now days I have been a wreck. Nervous and scared,etc. After reading your post I’m going to change that around and be happy in advance!

Vivian

October 15, 2012 AT 11:00PM

Thank you for all the wonderful words you share so generously with us, Patti. My friend Wendy shared a new twist on the wonderful, old practise of gratitude. She begins every morning, before she gets out of bed, by thinking of 5 things she is grateful for — but it was her simple words “Don’t start in the neutral position!” that made my heart sing. Simple but transformational! Blessings from the heart, Vivian

Pearl

October 18, 2012 AT 10:57AM

good story. have you already seen that your favorite is going to be a publisher now? http://bookriot.com/2012/10/18/a-bookish-look-at-soon-to-be-publisher-johnny-depps-career/

Jess Smith - getSNAZZY.com

November 5, 2012 AT 8:54AM

Such a beautiful thought and important reminder. Thanks for sharing!