What Is Happiness?



Is Happiness a state of mind?
Does it come from within or does it have to be bought?
Is it a strength or a weakness?
To me Happiness is…


Happiness is euphoric
Happiness is eating ice cream with extra caramel
Happiness is being enveloped in an intense book
Happiness is being free of drama, and pain


Happiness is watching peoples faces light up when they see you enter the room
Happiness is the feeling you get when in the company of that one person
Happiness is putting everyone elses happiness above your own
Happiness is clearing your mind of all your stress


Happiness is seeing the gorgeous smile of the girl sitting next to you
Happiness is how you feel after the first kiss
Happiness is laughing so much your jaw hurts
Happiness is seeing a young child's eyes light up when they see their father


Happiness is the feeling of the warm sun touching your face first thing in the morning
Happiness is a good nights sleep
Happiness is being content
Happiness is a happy ending



J Ryba

Cee Lo Green - FUCK YOU (Official Video)

and this one....

Since I shared that last one, I figured I would share this one too...



Past Behind

Whatever problems we've had. Either spoken or felt, whatever feelings have been hurt for whatever reason, whether it's been a lack of communication or too much communication, we cannot change what has come between us.

Sometimes I believe communication can make things worse, because it may not be possible to explain all the reasons we act the way that we do. We may not even be capable of understanding each others problems, no matter how hard we try, or how good we are able to process every comment, piece of advice, and attitude into the truth as it was intended. We just may not be strong enough to deal with certain things because of all that's going on in our lives at that given moment.

I have sensed a wall going up between us. I liked life better without it and I'm sure you did too. To say "I'm sorry" is an understatement…. I'm sorry if I've been insensitive to your situation and you feelings. I'm sorry if I failed to understand something that you thought I should. I'm sorry for whatever's wrong and for all the reasons it turned out this way. I'm sorry if you're having a hard time dealing with this mess in our life and for anything I did or didn't do that has caused our relationship to be less then it was.

I know some things are hard to talk about, but I just wanted you to know that I'd love for us to fix whatever is wrong in our relationship. I'd like for us to get along. I miss that comfortable feeling we had with each other. Life is way to short, I don't want there to be any hate or bad feelings between us. I want what's best for Me, You, and Logan. I will put the past behind us if you will, then we can get on with tomorrow.

Why Is This Happening to Me Again

How many of you think back to those times were life was at it hardest and how you handled yourself in those situations? If only more people had that ability. well you live and learn and every situation you learn a better way of doing things. Kinda like trial and error, or killing your curiosity... I for one have learned a lifetime of experience. And I know that every day I continue to get stronger and stronger... Yeah... that's it. This is something I wrote during a time in my life when things were at there worst. Read it and tell me how you feel?

J

Why is this happening to me again?

What have I done wrong? What have I said or done to make her do this? Nothing that should have led her to do what she has done. This is pissing me off!! I have done nothing wrong. And yet she's treating me like I have. What have I done wrong? I don't get it.
This final blow from this evil thing is making my life a living hell!!! It's taking away everything that I have held dear to me. It's making me unhappy, I just want all this pain to end. I just want it all to stop. But I guess that's what it wants to do to me. I have to fight it. I have to be happy. And that's why I force myself to smile. Real or fake. I'm trying. I can't handle this anymore!

I love her to much to loose her so slowly, the slower things go the more it hurts. I don't want to loose her fast either. I don't want to loose her PERIOD. She means that much to me. I can't loose her. She is the very reason I want to exist.

I'm scared. I'm scared of what I will do to myself, and I'm scared of how I will hurt my friends and family.

Why is this happening to me again?

She's my only real escape. My only escape to happiness. A happiness which I am hurtfully losing. Losing to some THING!!! Something that just wants to tear me apart. Eat what is left of me. Then spit me out onto the street.
Why do so many people think that I am so strong. That I would be able to go through something like this all by myself. I guess I have to fend for myself.

When I needed her help the most she could have done something. Anything.

When I talk to her about it she gets all upset. Yet when I see her in person
She acts like her normal self. Is she being sarcastic? Or is she being for real? What does she think she is doing? Does she think it will work? The odds are against it ever working with them. Its not real. Its not the real love that I feel for her. Is he using her like he does his other victims. I think so.

She's been hurt before. Doesn't she remember how it feels. Every man before me has hurt her. Yet I have not. Have I been too forgiving? Too nice? What have I done to deserve this?

What kind of evil has taken over her? This is not the women I met. She wouldn't have done such a thing. I beg of you to give her back to me. Don't make her do something she could regret. She doesn't deserve the pain that it will cause.

She told me that she needed time and that she didn't know what she wanted. When she looks at me I can still see that love in her EYES. Will she ever see how much I truly love her? Will she see how much of a mistake she is making? I hope so. Before its too late!!

Why is this happening to me again.................

The Road not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller,long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;



Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,



And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.



I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.



-Robert Frost

Im sure your wondering why I posted this poem. Well Im a firm believer in the message that Robert Frost was trying to make here.

Ok I’m not a perfect parent and I don’t pretend to be. I do know that our job as parents is to raise our children to become better people then ourselves. If you as a parent, notice your child struggling, wouldn’t you then try to understand and help encourage improvement? I strongly believe that the problem with today’s youth is that we’re not paying as much attention as we should. In doing so, we do not understand the full scope of a childs issues and how to address them. My son will be a better man if I can encourage him to better himself, and never fall through the cracks of a mediocre society.

Psychology is not just about crazy people and shock therapy. Psychology is about understanding the nature of the mind. How are you to understand your child’s needs, if you don’t have a full understanding of what’s going on in their head. Nobody is perfect. Not everyone has the time with such demanding work schedules to pay attention to a child’s little mind. Truthfully some kids need more encouragement then others. But some of them might periodically need a nudge. My recommendation to you is to have an open mind. Don’t be afraid to admit you might in fact be wrong. Be the encouraging parent at events. Get involved! Ask lots of questions! Our minds are indeed sponges, we are constantly learning. Yes, from our mistakes too. A child’s social event is not so much for socializing as it is for watching them learn and grow. Be there for support and encouragement should they need it! Thanks for listening.

J. Ryba 29July2010

To those of you who know me it should be no surprise that I am somewhat of a people watcher. “Though often a casual hobby, it can be used formally as a means for sociological, anthropological or psychological research.” Also known as naturalistic observation. I’ve worked in the public for a number of years, as both a correction Officer, and as a Bouncer at a local night club. Not to mention working at a few retail stores in the area. This has given me plenty of opportunity to observe a number of different personality types, as well as how people act and react as a group. You can learn a lot from just stepping back and observing someone in their natural state.
I could go on all night describing these situations but one thing has been plaguing my thoughts for months, Cell Phones. Although cell phones were created to make modern life more convenient, they’re actually beginning to interfere in the lives of users who don’t know when to turn them off. It’s not so much talking on the phone that’s typically the problem although that can have consequences too, It’s this need to be connected, to know what’s going on and be available to other people. That’s one of the hallmarks of cell phone addiction.
Unlike addictions to alcohol, drugs or even gambling, it can be hard to pinpoint problematic cell phone use. Almost everyone has a cell phone and uses it regularly. But if someone can’t get through dinner without sending a text message, I think it may be time to take a step back. How people respond to being separated from their cell phones is another clue. Frequent users often become anxious when they are forced to turn off the phone or if they forget it at home, so much so that they can’t enjoy whatever they’re doing.
Cell phone addiction really becomes problematic for a lot of people if they have underlying anxiety or depression. This can really exacerbate it or cause their symptoms to manifest themselves. For example, someone who already worries about what others think of them could become easily agitated if their phone calls or messages aren’t returned right away. The problem isn’t getting any better. Studies reveal that children with cell phones often don’t make friends with their less tech-savvy peers, and that three-fourths of children have mobile phones, and lastly that 36 percent of college students say they could not get by without cell phones.
I can recall the days when cell phones didn’t exist. We actually had to work to get others attention, i.e. Walk to a pay phone or use your home phone to get in touch with someone. You actually had more face to face interaction with someone. I recall one occasion sitting in a local restaurant with my son. I observed a young couple sitting down eating there meal. Neither one of them really shared a valued conversation. They were too busy texting who ever. This is a problem with personal interaction. I find no value in interacting with someone when there to busy texting someone or constantly looking at their cell phone. Wouldn’t you like to be able to share a valued conversation with someone without the distraction? I know I would.

Good Morning Beautiful

A beautiful spring morning
The bright sunshine
The mild breeze
The fragrance of melting snow
birds whistling the sounds of spring
Fascination of the beauty of a new day
the feelings of
Appeal
Attraction
The magic, she makes me feel
With every labored breath
My heart did skip
At the very sight
of
Your resplendent green eyes
pleasing red lips
Waving long brown hair
I cant help my feelings
the feelings of
happiness, pleasure, the complete euphoria
Of things

The Unsolved Problem?

I often sit and wonder about the problems we face everyday. In everyone's life, We have problems to solve. Whether it be… Bills, work, family or even relationships.

Even in the strongest relationship, there are problems to overcome. We often find it easy to give up when confronted with these problems and difficulties.

Or fool ourselves into believing that perfection can be found somewhere else.

But true happiness and a lasting relationship are found when you look inside yourself for solutions to the problems. Instead of blaming the other person and walking away when things get tough, Look for compromise and forgiveness. Caring is not a matter of convenience. It is a commitment of one soul to another. And if we generously give ourselves to the other person. Then both lives are enriched. The problems will come and go, just like the changing seasons. But unselfish love is constant and everlasting.

True To Yourself

Believe in your heart
Something wonderful is about to happen
Love your life
Believe in your own powers
Your own potential, and in your own internal goodness
Wake every morning with the awe of just being alive.
Discover each day as magnificent
Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day
Reach within to find your own Individuality
Amaze yourself and galvanize those around you to the potential of each new day
Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; this is the substance of your humanity
Let those who love you help you
Trust enough to be able to take
Look with hope to the horizon of today, for today is all we truly have
Live this day to the fullest extent
Let a little sun out as well as in
Create your own rainbows
Be open to all your possibilities
All possibilities and Miracles
Believe in Miracles

Melancholy Or Phlegmatic

That seems to be the question at this early hour. So yeah I cant sleep, I'm full of thought and I'm listening to music. Its been a trying week. But what would one expect. After all if it were easy then everyone would enlist. And we all know we have allot of cowards among us. So anyway I'm going off on a bit of a tangent from what I was originally posting about. So I'm thinking about personalities, and under what category I would fall under. Although I see myself as more Phlegmatic, and possibly Melancholic. Would it necessarily be a bad thing if I was a little Sanguine as well? Basically I'm a melting pot of many personality types. Boiled all into one genuine personality. Specific just to me... Now how do you see yourself?

Good Morning,

So I'm a bit tired this morning. But nonetheless I'm here, as if I have a choice... So yeah anyway last night I was talking to a friend online. And we were talking about how people always say when something goes wrong, that it happens for a reason. After some of the bad luck I've been through the last thing I want to hear is, "Everything happens for a reason". Besides I'm not sold on that philosophy. I believe more in that each and everyone of us are free falling from the sky. Like a snow flakes... (don't laugh just yet) Some fast, some slow. Some looking different then others. Each and everyone of us starts by falling, obviously in the same direction. But a sudden gust of wind changes are direction, and bumps us into each other, changing are characteristics. We might actually stick together then another gust of wind could break us apart. The point I'm trying to make is that not always are we in control over how we live our lives. We are manipulated by a wide range of things. For instance we can get the best education and still because of the job market or unemployment were still at square one. Were not the only ones in control of our destiny. Yeah we can work as hard as we can to keep going in the same direction but ultimately any force can knock you so far off course that its impossible to stay going in the same direction. I adopted this philosophy after my failed relationships. Those who know me know I was married twice. Both of which ended in divorce. Unfortunately these women in my life felt that nothing was worth working on and cheated. This of course as it would anyone. set my life in a bit of a spin. Ive adjusted and recovered, learned from my mistakes. But I'm not the same person anymore. They were the force that knocked me off course and set me off in a different direction. I hope i haven't rambled on to much. I'm in no way dismissing anyone Else's philosophy i just have my own set of beliefs...

Well today was an ok day. Been placing orders all day, Had coffee from Dunks courtesy of my mom. Thanks mom. And lets not forget that Almond poundcake... it was awesome. Still have a ton on my mind, and of course missing Logan like crazy.

OPSEC

I have a hard time being dishonest. Thats precisly why I have a hard time not telling family and friends about where exactly I am going. Understand, this afterall is the military. And they have this thing called OPSEC that prohibates giving away key information. On a good note, Another day is down...

Thoughts of the Unknown

No matter how many times I think about it... I always end up with the same thought. Logan being my one and only son, the very reason I live. What runs through his mind ever day when he wakes up knowing his dad isnt home? Does he really understand where I am? Will he grow up remembering his daddy being away so long? Regardless I owe all the fight, all the will power, to my son. I honestly wouldnt have made it if it were not for him. I reflect back on the last moment I saw him. I held back the tears. Funny thing was I didnt actually show emotion until I heard the song that was playing on the radio when I dropped him off. "If You Only Knew" By Shinedown. Everytime I hear this song I think of him. I love you Logan Adrian.

Now on a lighter note, Ive been running through the possibilties of the next year. Its scary, im not gonna lie, im as nervous as a long taled cat in a room full of rocking chairs...

Back To Work

So im on my way to Indiana to finish my last month of MOB training for heading to Afghanistan. i have to tell you theres alot of feelingd running through my mind. From uncertainty of whats to come, to thinking about my son as he copes with the absence of his daddy and his best buddy. oh and i cant forget VP an amazing women that i have gotten to know and respect. and honestly has left me in complete awe. ive got to admit its a little strange departing nh, its hard getting over that feeling of believing youll be home in a few weeks. instead i need tp keep reminding myself of the span of time in which ill be gone. its un nerving, but as tough as it is leaving home, friends and family. i know ill make it through. i hope for those of you that have never served, you understand the incredible sacrific our brave men and women of the united states military make to country and family. next time your complaining of some small inconveniance, or your of the long line at the fatty burger. step back and remember those that are serving far from home living under constant fear of the end, eating MREs or sleeping in a fighting position... be greatful of your freedom. i love each and every one of you.j