A few weeks ago, my laughter made someone uncomfortable. Specifically, someone didn’t like it that I laughed on stage while giving a professional presentation.
I took it to mean that they couldn’t handle the giddy happiness that I aim to bring into all aspects of my life – including my friendships, my business, my speaking and presentations, and the blissful walks that I take as often as possible.
What I’ve learned from this person’s discomfort is that anyone who is upset by another person’s happiness is likely unhappy in their own lives.
Have I always been happy?
No. There was a period in life where I would often stay up until 2am crying hard, and would go to work the next day with puffy eyes. I always wondered if my co-workers could tell, or if my make-up hid it well enough.
When I realized that I had a choice in my happiness and my sadness, I started to weed out the things that were causing those deep and difficult tears.
The happiness I create now in my life is present because I’ve taken years and years and years to sift through many of the opportunities out there, and to choose the ones that contribute to my joy. I’ve tried many variations of a career, and have settled on a business that fits my lifestyle, and lets me make money in ways that feel like bliss. The food I eat is mostly clean and organic, which gives me the wonderful flexibility to enjoy a root beer every now and then (I LOVE root beer), or to eat gluten-free pizza for breakfast (I put a TON of veggies on it).
Whenever I cry now, it’s because I’m touched by something, and the release of emotions feels incredible.
I’m happy to be a human who can feel things. I love watching other people fall over from laughter, and I love hearing stories about people who have left crummy job situations to go do something much more fun (whether it’s scooping ice cream, or starting their own business.)
And if you see me speak at an event you attend, or in a company you work in, it’s very likely that I will laugh during my presentations. I laugh because I think that work should be just as happy as the rest of life.
Happy in business
Happy in life
© 2016 Ava Waits
Ava Waits is an inspirational speaker, business mentor, sales trainer, and author of the forthcoming book, A Woman‘sTreasure: Grow A Business Where Making Money Feels Like Bliss. She believes that making money should feel like bliss, and through her work, she provides innovative sales and marketing guidance to entrepreneurs and companies worldwide.
As a speaker, Ava has been interviewed on television and radio, and has been invited around the country to inspire and train audiences at business events, women’s organizations, and financial companies. She has presented at Rick Steves Europe, United Way, the Women’s Day of Empowerment, Mother Earth News, the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, and many others.
Find out more about Ava at www.AvaWaits.com.
