A Short Story about Happiness

I have been
researching happiness for months now, collecting evidence, published
studies, and opinions of experts – on this subject that is of great
interest to me. However, I am putting all of my notes aside in order to
share a personal experience of real happiness ~ and how I recently spent
24 hours.

This was my son’s idea: with time short and much to do
before his family’s departure for Morocco (where they will be living
indefinitely), he suggested we plan an overnight in downtown Seattle and
create a “family play weekend”. We chose a hotel with festive lights and
decorations, the presence of Santa, a swimming pool, a hot tub and two
adjoining rooms.

There are seven of us altogether, including my
son and his wife, their three children, ages 6, 4 and 2, my husband and
me. We were a merry group from the outset! We left our ‘to do’ lists at
home, our worries behind and caravanned to the Seattle Sheraton
Hotel.

We spent the late afternoon and evening outdoors with the
hustle and bustle of holiday goings-on, crowds, colorful lights,
curbside drummers and even a carousel ride in the cold of December. What
fun! I drank it all in: the touch of their little hands in mine as we
crossed the streets, the sound of their laughter, the little voices that
sang along with the carolers: my beloved grandchildren, my son and his
wife, cherishing and teasing one another and simply loving our wintry
escapade. It was as if someone tapped me on the shoulder and said: “This
is joy, a blessing worth more than gold…this is the best of life and it
is yours. Don’t waste a single moment thinking life could be better
anywhere else.”

Soon hunger was upon us and we feasted on
hamburgers and fries, root beer and milkshakes. We were entertained by
holiday singers, elves, nutcrackers and even snow ~ indoors! With full
tummies and tired children, we returned to our hotel and took a relaxing
hot tub. With pride, I watched my grown son with his three children in
the water: his playfulness, water-game creativity, vigilance for their
safety and love for each child touched my heart more deeply than ever
before. My beautiful daughter-in-law added a presence of softness,
acceptance, compassion and love, somehow knowing what was on my heart
each moment. She is amazing that way.

We left the top floor
swimming arena and somehow got to our rooms with the children in charge
of the elevator buttons. After showers and pajamas, we all snuggled
together and watched a movie, ate crackers and cheese in bed and simply
soaked up being together. As I looked into the eyes of my son and his
wife, felt little hands and feet under the warm blankets and giggled
with them as a once-again child, I felt the presence of truth remind me:
“…there are no walls, really ~ only a word we use for plaster, boards
and paint ~ keep opening your heart…let it all in until there are no
walls left…only love”.

The next day came too soon. With morning
coffee in hand, we packed our things, enjoyed a goodbye swim and said
goodbye to the kind people at the front desk. Looking back on the city
lights, we headed toward the entrance to I-5 South, bound for home and
the unfolding of the day ahead.

Looking back now, I have learned
one thing for sure:

If you’re hoping for things to be other than
they are ~ constantly trying to fix or change life in some way ~
happiness will abandon you. The opportunity for joy happens only if we
inhabit our experience and hold nothing back. We must live precious
moments with all of our senses: taste peppermint fingertips, smell
fresh, clean hair, feel the soft skin of a child’s touch, hear their
voices ~ and open our hearts fully, being brave enough to want this
forever and humble enough to know nothing ever stays the
same.

Have you slept with crumbs in your bed lately? Or awakened
early to a child’s voice much more ready for the day than you are? Have
you looked into the eyes of your own grown son or daughter and seen both
the child of yesterday and the proud parent of today? Have you listened
~ really listened ~ to a child’s wisdom … and taken their advice? Have
you fallen in love all over again with the magic of winter? If not, do
it now – today! If there aren’t children, find them; if there isn’t a
hotel room, make the room you are in the best it can be; love someone
you don’t know ~ a senior who is lonely, an animal that is hungry, a
part of yourself that you have been denying .. until now. And if none of
this works, then prepare a plate of saltines and cheese, crumble them
under the covers, get in bed and laugh out loud.

May your days be
merry and bright ~ and may joy and peace bless you and those you
love.

Written with inspiration, devotion and love for my son
and beloved family who will be leaving the United States to live and
serve in Morocco for the years to come. Jamie, Missy, Lauren, Mark and
Lydia: I love you with all my heart ~ Mimi

7
Happiness Tips
1. Want to be happy? Give a little. Want to
be happier? Give a lot. Research shows that simple acts of generosity
boost our immune systems, relieve pain, and make our hearts
stronger
2. Enjoy the simple things…here true treasures live
3.
Laugh until you gasp for breath
4. Surround yourself with what you
love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, or hobbies:
your home is your refuge
5. Cherish your health: if it is good,
preserve it; if it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can
improve, ask for help
6. Tell the people you love that you love them,
at every opportunity
7. Dwell in gratitude ~ moment to moment

style="text-align: right;">~ Unknown

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