On Happiness Part One: Simplicity

Originally uploaded by Little Thoughts

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

I wish I knew who I was quoting, but I don't.Regardless, lets talk happy. When you are happy, you are healthy (or at least have better chances of healing quicker when not healthy...it's true).

I'm most happy when I am just comfortable with the way things are. No more trying to change myself too much, and definitely no more trying to change anyone else. No more asking "why did this happen?" or "what if...?"

And when I quit worrying about things that aren't necessarily in my control -- I'm happy then. (Bobby McFerrin summed it up pretty well with "Don't Worry, Be Happy").

Happiness is being able to balance contentment with where you are at (and with who you are) with the motivation for positive change. It's "looking beyond the imperfections."

But also, happiness involves embracing simplicity. We hear all the time about how children have an impeccable ability to forgive. They also are pretty dang good at loving small things --like a sock. I'm not saying we should all laugh and clap with glee when we buy new socks, it's just an example. I'm just saying loving simple things can lend towards one's happiness. As childish as we may feel in doing so, it really does help in appreciating life a lot more.

I am happy when I have popsicles or fruit snacks. Or when I go run, or curl up with a book on a hammock in the sun (rhyme unintentional...just naturally poetic, I guess). Or make my niece laugh by the way I eat a grape, or listening to music, driving with the windows down, singing out loud, dancing weird (pretty good at this....), having a good conversation, getting flowers, giving flowers...really the list goes on.

It's hard when life is kind of blowing up in your face as it sometimes tends to do, but really, if there is always a selection of small things that really cheer you up stored away in the back of your mind, it can work wonders.

Anyways, call me a child or way too simple, but try to notice the small things and you may see what I mean.