» Happily

Seems like an oxymoron to some; others, can grasp this sentiment. Single and happy... Yes, it does exist! What I want to know is when did we attach the very foundation of our own happiness to our relationship status? Perhaps this is something that has been going on for some time - but I must say, there is no room for it anymore.

Couple-hood or single-hood is not a reflection of who a person is or should be. It is the combining of hearts, souls, desires and expectations - but it doesn't make us who we are and certainly shouldn't define how we live our lives, happily or unhappily.

I have single friends, married friends, friends struggling in a relationship and divorced friends. Not one is different than the other. The only thing that is different is timing and circumstance. Happiness isn't a given just because you find a mate - that i promise you. Happiness is not a guarantee when you have a ring on your finger or a wedding to plan. It isn't meeting Mr. or Ms. RIGHT ... thought, this type of happiness does fill a person momentarily, it does fade.

Happiness is an emotional state of being, a place we have to work at obtaining in our inner and outer worlds - and most definitely shouldn't rest on being single, married, partnered, or departed. It is onloy within us that we can truly cultivate it and make it real - and should never depend on the likes of another human being for our happiness. If we let this happen then we give away too much power - too much control and wonder why we arent's HAPPY?

If you are single - cherish it. Happily single is a great place to be! It is right where you are supposed to be. Trust in the process and love who you are. If you are married or on your way to the altar - don't forget that you have bee happy and that you have been responsible for your happiness. Don't rely on someone else tomake you happy, htat is still and will always be your job. It is an inside job. If you are married - don't forget wha happiness looked like when you met your partner's eyes for the first time - and recommit to being happy - in yourself and in your union.

We are so fortunate to be living in a place where we have choices. I believe that happiness can be a choice and also something we have to work really hard at - and it doesn't come in the form of a new mate. It comes from within and how we live and love and who we surround ourselves with. If the new mate adds to the loveliness, then the luckier we are.