What makes you happy?

It was a really weird month. We’ve faced illness, and the death of a relative and a family friend’s son (both of whom were only 47.) Not trying to depress you. Really. These sudden shocks to the system just kind of put everyday concerns into perspective.

And make me think about how I want to live my life. I don’t want to “live like I was dying.” Although it’s wise to keep in mind that we don’t always have the time we think we have.

I’d rather take a cue from my almost 9 years old son. He throws himself into whatever he’s doing at the moment. Truly enjoying the game, savoring the candy, laughing from the gut at the cartoon. He doesn’t have to work at being happy. He’s just happy from being.

I, on the other-hand, as many grownups do, get too wrapped up in the daily worries and to-do lists. Instead of enjoying the moment, I'm thinking of what lies ahead. I need to stop and remind myself of what really makes me happy. When I do, I find there's a lot to be grateful for.

Through The Happiness Project , I found a link to Three Beautiful Things; three things each day that the author saw, did or experienced that made her happy.

I’m going to give it a try and see what happens. What about you?

1. My son crawls in bed for a morning snuggle and lays his head on my shoulder.

2. We walk with our umbrellas in the pouring rain, and he says "I don't care that's its raining - I like it! " I do, too.

3. He and his friend laugh about some star wars thing that I don't understand. They speak the same language and have such a good time.