I got a catch-up note from an old friend yesterday that got me thinking about happiness. He wrote, “That said, we are great, positive, and enjoying most days with activities we would not have done without Shelter in Place.” Because he is my friend and entitled to privacy, I will not enumerate what went into “that said,” but he and his wife have been through situations that would defeat most of us.
It made me think about how people can find joy almost anywhere if they pay attention. It doesn’t take much to notice, however fleetingly, that something or someone brings us happiness. This isn’t the kind of thing I would normally write about (i.e., it seems a little sappy) but it seems like we should grab happiness where we find it right now. My go-to guide on happiness is the Dalai Lama, and among the dozens of quotes attributed to him, the one I like best is, “Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.” Good, practical advice!
My personal happiness these days: our new granddaughter; my family both nuclear and extended; the hummingbirds and their aerial battles at the feeder on our window; Bella the dog, who greets me as if she hasn’t seen me in years, even if it’s been only an hour or two.
Where are you finding happiness in this uncertain time?
Photo by Sara Rankin
