Shortcuts to Happiness

I  stumbled across the following quote today and it made me smile:

There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them ~ Vicki Baum 

How true it is! Dancing is so much fun. It never fails to lift my mood and make me feel good. It got me through Christmas morning in 2010. It was my first Christmas alone after my youngest daughter got married and my husband left. I celebrated Christmas Eve day with my children and grandchildren, but was by myself on Christmas morning. It was a strange feeling to be alone for the first time in my life on a special day. After raising four children and being married over 30 years it was quite an adjustment. I remember feeling like I was going to suffocate from the quietness that overtook the entire house. I imagined I was the only person in the world alone. I went into my dance room, slipped on my ballet slippers, cranked up the praise and worship music and just danced. I was amazed at how quick my mood lifted. I felt happy and inspired, and listening to the inspirational lyrics was like putting healing salve on an open wound. 

I've returned to my dance room many times since that day when I needed a lift. Moving our bodies is refreshing and is a perfect way to relieve stress. Of course, it doesn't have to be dancing. Do whatever you enjoy, whether it's taking a walk or working out. I never did like basic forms of exercise, but I love to dance, so it works for me. 

Emotional eaters need to replace negative habits with positive ones. I believe it's one of the most important things we can do to break free from the destructive patterns that cause addictive behavior. We not only reap the rewards of improved physical health when we move our bodies, we also benefit mentally and emotionally. 

There really are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing (or walking, working out, etc.) can energize our exhausted bodies, help us forget our emotional pain, and fill us with joy.