Happy, what a concept, you could probably spend a lifetime trying to figure out this conundrum and at the end of your days realize there are 8 Billion answers to that question. 8.062 Billion actually, well at least as of today.
We are all unique, with unique tastes, needs, wants. whatevers. And our unique sense of ‘happiness’ seems to change as we grow older, sometimes from one day to the next!
When I was 19 I was happiest travelling, getting away from the cloistered ‘Olde England’ attitudes of Victoria to explore Europe and live in the desert of North Africa. But I found after a few years travelling made me much less happy, often thinking longingly of walks on Beacon Hill or simply people watching at Hillside Mall.
Later on, when I moved to the United States for work I discovered that my happy place was in the backyard, under an oak tree, with a steaming cup of French Roast and a sketchpad.
Today my sense of happiness is much more complex, and at the same time quite simple. I am happy in a good debate (unless it turns into personal skewering too common on social media) and I am happy when Miss Frieda decides to take a nap on my feet while I am working away at my desk!
Being a bit of a nut about lists (yes, I used to do the personality-tests in magazines) here is my current ‘List of Simple Happiness’ in no particular order:
- Seeing the last of winter and the birds flocking to my backyard again (love Cardinals).
- Random people on the street who smile and say “Hello!” back.
- Miss Frieda coming to my desk at 5:01pm each day to remind me this is her time!
- Fresh ground French Roast (black with or without sugar)
- The one kilo bag of Ju Jubes from Farm Boy (not ultra sweet)
- Double salt black licorice (the kind that makes your eyes water)
- Moonlight quiet in my backyard at 4am (this morning)
- 5:01pm on Fridays
- Seeing the kids at Boxing Without Barriers on Sunday morning (you have no idea how keen and hard working they are at 10am on Sundays)
- Games Night Karaoke.