Babies are born with simple needs. Doesn't take much, usually to keep them happy. How often do you see a baby that is constantly grumpy, angry or makes lots of demands? Little kids can laugh at the silliest, most uncomplicated moments in life. They can be joyful over one piece of candy. We will always find the exception, but let's pretend that we are talking about most, not ALL.
So, is "happiness" a learned response or an innate one? And what happens to that basic life-sustaining emotion that makes it so difficult for some to maintain?
I am a believer that happiness is a choice, as you get older. The yin/yang of life is that through struggle, you CAN see the joy, even in the midst of frustration, if you LOOK for it. It could be the tiniest of things. I will always do my level best to find that fragment of positivity, no matter how small because it's what keeps me going, soothes my soul and generally gives me happiness.
Humor does this for me. Being around a funny person, a really great storyteller or watching my dogs do something that tickles me is one of those childlike happy moments that are gratifying in simply smiling, laughing. When was the last time you had a good belly laugh? Laughed so hard you cried? I just did last week with two girlfriends. Can't even recall now what it was, but I DO recall how very GOOD it felt--genuine, lively emotion that reached every part of me, including my body's reaction, with tears, brought on by laughing incredibly hard. Such a good feeling! And we shared this, the three of us! Magical connection. I will purposely visit some of my favorite humorous bloggers when I need that hit of happy. Dick Greenberg does it for me. Alan May's another one. Who are some of yours?
Rediscover the simplicity of laughter.
Find your happy.
Look for it. It's there.
Then, share it.
It's not to be squandered.
Gayle Rich-Boxman
(Remember this old commercial?? Thought this represented well what kids show us about pure joy.)
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