I am not in the business of selling happiness.
You don't have to look hard these days to find books, videos and websites telling you how to live a happier life. There are new businesses popping up daily selling you the secrets of success or a fulfilling life.
The need is there and we see it in the mental health of the people we know and love.
And it's only natural whenever a need is identified individuals will take advantage of the opportunity and jump on the bandwagon.
I believe in these newfound opportunities to build up positivity in our lives and support those who need these things. I even encourage anyone who is suffering to seek out whatever may work for them.
But the concepts are not new -- mimicing ancient Buddhist concepts -- which just may have been ahead of thier time in a world not as broken as todays.
But I don't want to sell you happiness. It can't be bought nor can it be taught. I simply want us to stop suffering in silos. I want to encourage you to be real, be genuine, be human and help out our fellow men.
Life isn't always going to be positive and happy. I constantly tell my children it's ok to be sad, it's ok to have negative thoughts and feelings. What's important is you don't get stuck there. Cry if you have to, lay around and be anti-social for a day if that's what you need. Just remember "this too shall pass."
And yes, Inspire Magazine is a business and it does promote a positive attitude. However, this magazine is not about jumping on the "happy train."
For me it is a healthy - maybe a little crazy - way to cope with my own difficult situation. Caring for others is who I am and writing is my passion. It is extremely therapeutic for me to write in a way that can help others.
It is incredibly humbling to be invited into the homes and lives of those around me to hear such intimate details of their lives. This is what I feel is missing--people who talk openly about their failures and find strength in each other's journeys.
I believe we simply need to be inspired by our peers to look within ourselves to find happiness. I can't tell you how to be happy. I have no credentials, just a genuine hope that you too will see you are not alone in your misery.
I want to build compassion and empathy in our community by understanding human nature - the stories behind why people do what they do. And while doing that if I can inspire you to feel better about your life then Inspire Magazine is a success.