In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson plainly proclaims, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
My name is Gina. I am a homeschool momma, who is on the final leg of our journey; three out of four kids graduated, with a sophomore in high school. I am a small business owner, who just recently began peddling essential oils; healthy, natural choices, with a passion for chemical free living. I am an exercise enthusiast, who enjoys cross fit, HITT, spinning, weight training and walking; five to six days a week minimum, with a desire for movement. I am an avid reader, who doesn’t have enough time to read; books on homeschooling, business, self-improvement, Bible study, with a little fiction. I am a Christian woman, who loves Jesus but not religion; religion promotes martyrdom, I’m taking back happy.
My friend Lawana and I walk the bridge once a week. It is an almost 3 mile walk over a bridge that separates Panama City from Panama City Beach. We were homeschool mom acquaintances, who became exercise buddies a couple years ago, and have become close friends due to the time we have invested in these weekly walks. We talk about everything from raising children, to building businesses, from contemplating relationships, to using essential oils, from homeschooling kids, to building friendships, from experiencing special life events, to losing people we love, from dealing with pain from the past, to seeking answers and hope for the future.
C.S. Lewis proclaimed, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” As we hike the bridge every week, we are walking, talking philosophers. No PhD has greater depth of subject nor wonder of creation as we ponder life, our purpose, and why we were born and live on this great, blue marble.
A few weeks ago, we stumbled over the profound thought that Christians, especially Christian women, wives and mothers are told we don’t need to be happy, but we must be………fill in the blank. It is almost like “happy” is a four-lettered word; something to be avoided at the risk of not being “spiritual” enough. Well enough is enough!! No more religious attitudes will keep us down. Jesus came to give us life, but not just life- more abundant life!! The Bible is filled with references to being happy. Our Creator gave us feelings. He desires for us to experience joy, happiness and laughter, just as we experience despair, sadness and pain. We can embrace the feelings because they are part of the abundant life, and how we were created.
The founders of our U.S. Constitution stated that these truths are obvious:
1) All men are created equal
2) God gave us undeniable rights
3) Right to Life
4) Right to Liberty
5) Right to the pursuit of happiness
My friend, you have the right to be happy. Happiness is worthy of pursuit. Find those things in life that get you excited. Hang with the people who lift you up and bring joy into your life. Seek those dreams that make your heart beat just a little bit faster.
Ladies, We Are Taking Back Happy!!
Taking Back Happy 