Happiness Is a Journey

Haven't we all thought that if this or that happens, or as soon as I complete this or overcome that, I will be truly happy?  

Well, the bad news is that life is full of obstacles and surprises, and we are continuously presented with situations to deal with - both good and bad.  The good news is none of that should keep us from happiness. Being happy is a state of mind, and should also be continuous.  Below, please find my listing of things that define my happiness.  Feel free to add your own. 

Photo by Graur Codrin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happiness is:

• Waking up to the smell of breakfast that someone else is cooking for you
• Having a job to wake up to
• Getting an honest opinion about your looks, and suggestions on how to improve it....from your child
• A hug
• Seeing the first flowers bloom in the spring
• Parting with your hard earned money to pay for your house that you share with loved ones, the car that brings your children safely to school and you to work, the power that keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the phone that allows you to stay connected to friends and family far away
• Watching the sunrise on the beach
• The smell of a newly bathed baby
• Being rewarded for your good deeds by someone else's success
• Falling in love over and over again with the same person
• Watching your children and knowing they're perfect because they're yours
• A candlelight dinner
• Encouragement when you don't see your own potential
• Recognition when you learn that you can do whatever you set your mind to
• Finding the perfect dress, shoes, purse.....OK this list can get long, you get my drift
• A compliment from those who matters in your life
• Receiving a bouquet of flowers for no special reason
• Finding the perfect gift
• The look of pride on your children's faces when their efforts are praised
• The feeling of accomplishment when you overcome yet another obstacle in life
• A hot bath
• Knowing someone loves you for who you are, just the way you are
• Being reunited with long lost friends
• Girl talk over a glass of wine (or two...)
• A good joke 
• Sisters
• "Me time"  
• Late night swimming
• Knowing your smile and kind words made someone feel special today
• Having friends who laugh with you through good times and make you smile through tears during bad times 
• Celebrating your birthday and being grateful you got to live another year (working on this one....40 was a tough one!!)
• Key Lime Pie 
• A good book, and time to read it
• Watching the rain hit the windows while the wind is howling outside...from a cozy chair inside
• Feeling safe
• A great movie with a happy ending
• Chocolate...mmmmmm!

Photo by Graur Razvan Ionut/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

And so the list goes on and on.  Cherish every moment and every opportunity, or as Father Alfred D'Souza said:

Photo by Dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Dance as though no one is watching you.

Love as though you have never been hurt before.

Sing as though no one can hear you. 

Live as though Heaven is on Earth.

Have a fabulous week!!