“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ~-The Declaration of Independence-~
August is Happiness Happens Month, but today is Happiness Happens Day.
Happiness is a funny thing. We all want it. We all hope for it. But how many of us have it? After all, it’s not something you can just hop out to the store and pick up when you run out of it.
“The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase; if you pursue happiness you’ll never find it.” ~-C.P. Snow-~
Snow’s quote is dead-on. If we seek it, Happiness hides from us. Why? Because like it’s name implies, Happiness is a playful scamp. It’s also kind of a behind-the-scenes imp. It relishes games and savors smiles but it doesn’t necessarily need to be in the middle of it all. It’s happy keeping a low profile.
So how do you know it’s around? More importantly, how do you invite it into your life? Because Happiness is also a sensitive creature, and polite to boot –it doesn’t want to barge in where it’s not welcome.
“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” ~-George Sand-~
Yes, Love is the key. A heart that’s open to love –both giving and receiving– can only be one thing: happy.
“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.” ~-HH The Dalai Lama-~
My heart is happiest when I’m loving Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby. And when they’re loving me.
Take last night for instance. Mr. Meow decided to come “snuggle on the big bed” (my code for hitting the hay) with me.
Where I once used to take his affection for granted, this has now become a very big deal for me. It was not so very long ago when troubles with Tabby kept Mr. Meow at bay. He only just ended his bed boycott and has been getting back into the bedtime (and good morning) snuggling routine.
So there he was last night cuddling next to me like old times. I fell asleep with him in my arms, then this morning woke up to three happy faces: Mr. Meow’s plus Murphy’s and Tabby’s. (Yes, both Tabby and Mr. Meow were on the bed next to me at the same time, just on opposite sides. Something that’s been happening a bit more frequently now since they’ve realized there is room for the both of them on the bed after all.)
First Mr. Meow snuzzled me awake by nudging me to hold him again. Then Murph, realizing I was awake, came to sit next to us for his good morning pets too. Then came Tabby from wherever she’d finally fallen asleep last night. (Usually she’s on the bed with us, but sometimes she keeps herself up playing with her Wiffie all night long downstairs and ends up conking out somewhere down there. Last night was one of those nights.)
What was that I caught of glimpse of in the corner as I was surrounded by all this love? Ah, yes, Happiness. Good morning, kind soul. Funny how you just sort of happen when I’m lost in the moment.
Question to Readers
When does Happiness Happen for you?
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General Conference: “The Great Plan of Happiness”