In the introduction of her latest book Life & Love, author and entrepreneur Lisa Messenger has a confession – she’s happy, pretty much every single day.
As I perched on the edge of a bar stool, at my friend’s hen do, I struggled to tune into the conversation of her work colleagues. I hadn’t met these women before, but I’d heard from my friends they were all married and all successful. Yet, for the past 20 minutes all I’d heard from their mouths was a cacophony of complaints. In fact, they appeared to be in a battle of one-upmanship to see whose life was the worst.
So far the dialogue had gone something like this: “Oh, I’m sooo stressed, I’ve been working 15-hour days.” “That’s nothing, I’ve barely slept in weeks and my husband is incapable of even doing the laundry.” “Well, I never, ever see my husband, my teenage daughter hates me, and I feel so overweight because my personal trainer’s off on maternity leave…It’s a nightmare!”
Then all eyes turned to me, and I realised the conch of complaint had been proffered my way, and I was expected to air my grievances. I knew what I should do, I knew what they wanted, I knew what was socially accepted, but I just couldn’t do it. “Actually business is awesome,” I replied, “The magazine is growing, the readers seem to love it and, as for Jack, he’s a dream come true. I pinch myself every day that we have found each other.”
What do you think?: Do you believe in soulmates?
How did it go down? Well, lets just say the group of women all quickly and coincidentally, suddenly needed the bathroom and made a swift exit. Yet, I wasn’t boasting, I’m not arrogant and I certainly did not want to be envied. The truth is, I am just unapologetically, deliriously happy. Pretty much every day. Really!
I’m sorry if that admission makes you feel uncomfortable. I know it’s far more acceptable to bitch about your life and focus on everything wrong in it, but I have to be honest and say I have a hell of a lot to be thankful for and, though my life isn’t perfect, I prefer to focus on the light then the shade.
Read more: What are you thankful for?
Let me get one thing straight – I am not in any way judging people who have real problems and need someone to confide in. Of course, it goes without saying that when times are tough we all need girlfriends to lean on, and I will happily listen, console and offer a shoulder to anyone who needs help, support or guidance.
Top Comments
What makes me happy is knowing that everything good in my life is not here by right.
I am deeply grateful to live in Australia. I appreciate so much that I live in a safe country, I have food to eat every day, I have shoes to wear on my feet, and I live in a warm, comfortable house.
Err its called being HONEST and admit that life is tough and has its problems. I hate when people paint a picture where life is perfect and sweep everything under the rug!