We all think about being happy, but do you really want to be happy? Do you find yourself resisting the very things you know will lead you to deeper happiness? Some people call it lethargy, temptation, or just plain making excuses. Matthew Kelly takes a look at our daily struggles toward personal well-being in Resisting Happiness.
What is resistance?
A gentle mentor, Kelly meets you where you’re at and encourages you in a simple first step: identify what behaviors you happy and what is keeping you from engaging in those activities.
Does your day feel more focused and energized after a morning walk, yet you find yourself hitting the snooze button?
Are you invigorated by painting, playing music, or working with your hands but you can’t seem to gather all your craft tools together to concentrate on creating something beautiful?
Do you find that a simple smile and thank you makes your day once you present a bouquet of wildflowers or bake bread for a friend, however, you notice yourself reasoning that such small acts of kindness are silly and generally not worthwhile?
Matthew Kelly addresses the reality of this very struggle, saying:
“This is the paradox that surrounds our quest for happiness. We know the things that will make us happy, but we don’t always do them.”
Matthew Kelly
So, why don’t we do the things we know will make us happy?
How can we overcome our own obstacles to happiness?
Kelly discusses the importance of building good habits. He says spending ten minutes a day spent in PRAYER will change your life:
“Always take your fist opportunity each day to spend time in prayer.”
Matthew Kelly
It doesn’t have to be talking to God. It can also be listening. Or even just being in God’s presence. Ten minutes a day, every day, will set a new tone for your days. Ultimately, those few daily minutes will lead to greater clarity and peace. You will find that when you begin this simple habit, you become a better version of yourself.
Once you are securely rooted in daily morning prayer, Matthew Kelly leads you to other positive habits leading to holiness and happiness. Among them are feeding your mind with good reading and getting outside yourself to serve others.
What is the best plan for happiness?
While it is good to make plans, we must always remember to submit our plans to the Lord. Thy will be done can be the most difficult words you say as you plan each day.
Due to the recent quarantine, many plans and activities are being revised or canceled. It is especially important these days to not be overwhelmed by the disappointment of all that is not happening. Rather, look for God’s blessings in what is happening.
“Planning is good and necessary up to a point, but we find God in the now. God lives in the eternal now. He is constantly inviting us to immerse ourselves in the present moment so we can be with him.”
Matthew Kelly
Perhaps this COVID crisis is a divine call to slow down, step back and assess our busy lives. Think about what is most important, what brings us happiness.
“From time to time it is good for us all to learn to listen again. Listen to those you love. Listen to your body. Listen to your conscience and soul. Listen to God.”
Matthew Kelly
What people are saying about Matthew Kelly’s book, Resisting Happiness:
“I am not Catholic but that did not take away from the spiritual and positive impact of this book. My adult children are reading it and are also benefiting from the wisdom imparted on the pages of this forever book.”
S. Myers, Amazon review
“Another inspirational book by Matthew Kelly. If your life, and especially your spiritual life, seems to be ‘stuck in the mud’ this is the inspiration you have been looking for to put one foot in front of the other and continue your faith journey on the right path. Matthew Kelly takes us by the hand and helps us to see and recognize all the pot-holes and detours that cause us to wander off the path that God has prepared specifically for you and for me! Trust me, you will want to share this with others.”
William Moon, Amazon review
Hopefully, when our active lives resume, resisting happiness will no longer be an issue. We can move forward in a more positive and purposeful manner.
