I had coffee with a wonderful friend that I’ve rediscovered recently and we talked of many things, of big hair, of bad customer service and TV binge watching.
It was lovely to have an intelligent conversation and it was wonderful to giggle.
That’s what I want, again and again.
Another thing we spoke of was the realization that each of us had let the things that gave us joy and pleasure slip from our life as if we let our good habits become non-habitual.
Gripped by this long and cold winter’s cabin fever, we both shared the same sentiment. A great hobby is reintroducing the things into our daily life that we know make us happy. Funny that we literally had to give ourselves permission to be happy.
I don’t know when spring will arrive, it may never, and we might likely go straight to summer, but along the way I will not lose sight of the little things that give me joy. Odd that it seems like an effort to take the steps towards happiness, yet so easy to take the steps towards melancholy.
My walk will begin, listening to more music, going to see live theatre, seeing friends in person, and dare I say it; getting a dog.
For now, in front of this computer, I can’t think of any better way to rediscover the boyish joyful and exuberant nature of Harlon than with a display of indulgence in heavenly talent that takes me from tired and weak to inspired and happy. Excuse me while I take my first step, indulge me in my boyish infatuation.
A Patient Voice 
Right on, Harlon! You have me thinking here, of the great joy one must experience, speaking directly from the heart with such a vocal flourish, while flanked by a platoon of white-tuxedoed validators. Truly, you have me remembering the lost art of being kind to ourselves, and I thank you for that… Truly.
Michael
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Hi Harlon. Happiness is the point of life. The “me” I speak of (not the real you) for some unknown reason tends to focus on the negative. But when that “me” I speak of is seen for it’s little tricks, that joy naturally flows. The unhappy “me” is not you. See it before it takes you down the river. And if it does take you down the river, don’t let the “me” beat you up for going down that river 🙂
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Hello, & I think that’s a good point, during all of this and that and me and you, it’s important to allow for self-gentleness. It’s easy to stray and if you go with the flow, that river and the ability to self-correct will lead us along the path of least-resistance to joy. 🙂 Peace Harlon
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Hi Harlon! Super post…I agree that everyone should make an effort to bring joy back into their lives…honestly…I would bet there are many who don’t even realize it left. Caught up in the energy of “just making it” through the days they have moved so far away from the simple pleasures…things that put a smile on their face! I love that you had that conversation and that you are taking steps to see it through. I volunteer for the prop master at a local theatre where I live. Two weeks ago I attended the dress rehearsal for Les Miserables. It was the first time I had seen the play (saw the “movie” when it was out.) I was BLOWN AWAY!!! So much so that I purchased tickets to see it again and I go tonight!! I am so excited. Something happened that night of the rehearsal…and I don’t know if it will happen again. I wondered about that…and I wondered if I was being a “little piggy” because I so desired to experience the way that audience connected with the actors in a synergistic burst of LOVE!!! Either way….I will be sure to bring tissues to tonight’s performance. So I agree…100% about attending live theatre 🙂 Oh…and when my “Little Mister” (one of his names) came into my life a year ago…EVERYTHING CHANGED!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Much love to you my friend. Wishing for Spring to arrive for you sooner rather than later ❤
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Thanks Lorrie, I love hearing from you and excited that you are exploring happiness & rediscovering joy. You are right, it is there, I am glad you are noticing where it is & returning it to YOU. Have fun at the play tonight 🙂 I wish I was there 🙂 Harlon
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Giant smile 🙂 I wish you could be here too!! I will make sure to get a super huge dose of love!! It is strange…because it is not like the subject matter of this play is one of joy…but it was the connection everyone felt. The actors were INCREDIBLE…and amazing singers!! Much love Harlon!
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I had to write to tell you….All of my wondering about whether that play could evoke the same feelings or not turned into a HUGE lesson! The show was late starting…never a good sign in theatre! The announcement came that the lead…Valjean…was sick and unable to perform!! My heart broke as I suspected he was the reason for the feelings. An ensemble male, they called the “understudy” (I was uncertain there was one!) stepped in. He came out and had the score in his hands through the whole first act (1.5 hours.) We were thankful he stepped in, but it was disconcerting to watch him “reading” the words. It was noticeable that he was missing from the ensemble as well and the upset impacted a few other actors. At the start of the 2nd act, they announced the original Valjean would be able to perform. It was so strange! Never saw anything like it before. It became very obvious that that actor was the reason for the synergistic energy. When he sang “Bring Him Home” only six feet away from me, my entire being cried!!! The lessons are many…you can imagine. But the gift of that song, especially when I thought I would not receive it, was something I WILL NEVER FORGET!! (Sorry for eating up space…but I had to tell you!!) ❤
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I agree…Why is it so much easier to be unhappy than it is to be happy?
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