Tag: perspective

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

Happiness Versus Joy

Brandi C

Happiness Versus Joy

Happiness versus joy. Is it perspective or something more? What is happiness? A wise man once said that happiness is based on circumstances, and circumstances can ebb and flow like the tides of the ocean. What is joy? JOY comes from the Lord. That phrase has stuck with me many years later.

We are not called to always be happy, are we? We are called to be a City on a Hill and Salt and Light. If God opens a door, no one can shut it. Sometimes, we try to force a door open, and because of free will, He lets us slide in—only for us to deal with the consequences of not being on His path. This can be painful, but on the flip side, it can refine us, teach us, and equip us to teach others.

When He closes a door, it is for a reason—not to harm us, but to prosper us. Often, if a door is shut, there is a window open. Instead of focusing on what you think you have lost, shift your perspective to the possibilities ahead. I promise you, God’s gifts are so much better than anything we could ever imagine.

For those that might not be familiar with Helen Keller, here is some information for you!

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Perspective from Mr. Rogers

Brandi C

Perspective from Mr. Rogers

Perspective from Mr. Rogers

 

Here is some Perspective from Mr. Rogers from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.  This is what to do when you overreact and have regret.  “Many people have asked me do you ever get mad and of course I answer “well yes, everyone gets mad sometimes.”  The important thing is what we do with the mad that we feel in life.

A few weeks ago coming home from a particularly tough day at work, I stopped to see my two grandsons.  Their mom and dad weren’t there but the boys were there with the babysitter in the backyard, squirting water with hoses.  I could see that they were really having fun.  but I felt that I needed to let them know that I didn’t want to be squirted.

Do Not Squirt Me

So I told them so, and little by little, I could feel that the older boy, Alexander, was testing the limit until finally, his hose was squirting very close to where I was standing.  I said to him in my harshest voice, Okay, that’s it alexander turn off the water, you’ve had it.

He did as I told him and said he was sorry and looked very sad.  The more I thought about it, the sadder I got.  I realized Alexander had not squirted me.  That I had stepped into his and his brother’s playtime with a lot of feelings leftover from work.

Guilt

So when I got home, I called Alexander, on the phone.  I told him I felt awful about my visit with him. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was taking out my anger from work on him.  I told him I was really sorry.

Do you know how he answered me?  Oh, Baba, everybody makes mistakes sometimes.  I nearly cried.  I was so touched by his naturally generous heart.  I realized that if I hadn’t called him, I might not have ever received that wonderful gift of Alexander’s sweet forgiveness.”