At Two Shoes Tuesday, today's word is hidden, which is quite appropriate because I had a hard time finding the word! I thought it was hidden from me, and then I realized it was right in front of my eyes. Hmmm. Kind of like happiness. Have you ever felt like you'd never be happy? That happiness was a foreign concept, a hidden feeling? One that you'd never feel? A feeling that was reserved for other people . . . people more worthy than you? I must confess that I have felt that way before. If I were a better person I'd be more happy. If I had a bigger bank account, I'd be more happy. If I had stainless steel appliances in my kitchen, I'd be more happy. If I didn't have to work, I'd be more happy. If I were perfect, I'd be more happy. Happiness seemed elusive at times, almost hidden from me.
Then I opened my eyes. I saw my husband smile at me and my children laughing together. And I realized that happiness wasn't hidden from me at all, it was right in front of my eyes the whole time.
P.S. I still want stainless steel appliances, but I won't base my happiness on them!!
Happiness comes from within and from a grateful heart. At least that's been my experience ever since my knight in shining armour rescued me in 2011. Yes I'd be happier if we weren't struggling every month to make ends meet and owned our own home. But when i wake up every day and see that I'm in this new life, I don't have to work & can craft or go take photos, I have both my dogs, a man who is crazy about me, surrounded by family and friends, I am so filled with gratitude that it makes me very happy. If I hadn't taken the chance & I'd stayed in WA, I'd be a widow now, probably would have lost my home due to the medical bills, AND working at a high stress job on top of it. So yeah, i'm happy for sure! Money and things don't buy happiness.
ReplyDeleteBTW, your PS was almost 'hidden' from my ancient eyes. I hope you get your stainless steel appliances someday! lol
I'm so happy you're happy - - sounds like a wonderful life to me!
DeleteI think happiness means different things to different people ... sounds like your new definition is about right to me.. :)
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to have a husband or children to be happy, that's for sure. But personally that's where I am happiest :)
DeleteI am glad (happy) that you are happy, Judy. Reading you post about hidden being found like your happiness was found made me happy.
ReplyDeleteNot that there isn't reason for me to be unhappy. In a way I am still unhappy even though I smile about it. In a way it is funny.
I would be a lot happier if what is hidden from me were to be revealed. My Two Shoes post today is about my dilemma.
Jim's Tuesday Two Shoes (link)
..
Maybe that's part of your journey - - to find what is hidden from you. Could be exciting, depending on what you find!!
DeleteWhat an uplifiting post, Judy! It is so true that if we search for happiness we will never find it, we have to realize that we've had it with us all along! It is the simple things that bring us the most joy, but yes - those shiney new apppliances would probably make you smile a bit too. Have you talked to Santa about them? :) Thank you so much for joining me at Two Shoes Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun, Josie! And, I think the appliances are a little out of Santa's price range at the moment :)
DeleteBeautiful post—and a nice reminder to be grateful for our many blessings. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your beautiful face, Dana!
DeleteHappiness is certainly relationships with other people not inanimate objects, (although I do go a bit gooey over beautiful buildings but usually they have people in them!). Happiness is almost guaranteed if you love yourself and what you do. Great writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and I agree - - the most beautiful buildings usually have people in them :)
DeletePlease keep going. I am so happy with my life, but this time of year just kills me with short days and short-tempered Marianne. Don't stop pointing me to the happy places!
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time imagining you short tempered!
DeleteI won't be letting you talk to Joe anytime soon.
DeleteThe man has the real goods on me.
You said it well.
ReplyDeleteHaha - thanks :)
DeleteI loved this post Judy it is so true we usually have plenty of stuff to be happy about right in front of us.
ReplyDeleteI need to keep reminding myself that everytime I walk into my kitchen and see my ugly appliances! haha
DeleteI AM inexpressibly happy. You know why. Another reason, though, is that NOTHING has not allowed our friendship to evaporate. Hats off to that!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mark, I know why. And I love you anyway!
DeleteLove the post, and agree many things are right there in plain sight! Enjoyed reading your posting.
ReplyDeleteThanks - - likewise!
DeleteVery honest and heartfelt post! I like that!
ReplyDeleteMcguffy's Reader
http://www.mcguffysreader.blogspot.com