Friday, September 9, 2011

Happiness is (two kinds of ice cream)

The other evening I attended a class where the instructor posed the thought, "Name a day when you were really happy". It got me to thinking about the state of happiness. I recall days and years of depression, sadness, and downright misery. Things have changed for me, and it isn't because life is smooth sailing.

For years my little mom tried to help me grasp the concept that Abraham Lincoln espoused, "A man is about as happy as he makes his mind up to be", or something along those lines. Well, I think I finally understand it. I can't wait around for someone or something or some circumstance to make me happy. I must do that myself.

Life is too short (and too long) to make an "I'll be happy when...." list, because that list is never completed. It just keeps getting longer. Don't get me wrong. I am sure my life is less than perfect in other people's eyes, but it's my life and I love it.

I love everything about it, even the hard stuff. I am grateful for every day I have on this beautiful sphere and for every opportunity to be with my kids, grand kids and friends. Hard days happen, but thankfully, I don't have to let my life be hard because of it.

So, the answer for me, "Name a day or time you were completely happy", yesterday, today, right now. I am truly happy.