There is a lot of thought about the importance of happiness. Some think that it is all that really matters. Other’s think that it’s a by-product of success. Some even think that it is some kind of luxury that only the wealthy can attain.
For me, happiness is loving what you do and being fulfilled from whatever it is. Yes, whatever it is. In my opinion, it has nothing to do with money and it has nothing to do with fame. It has everything to do with success. Defining success is what makes the difference.
Saturday was a happy day for me and it didn’t cost a nickel. It is the simple things in life that sometime bring me the most happiness. What happened Saturday? I went for a walk. It was more than just a walk. It was a walk on a beautiful spring day (almost 70 degrees where I live and that is a beautiful spring day) on the road I live on in a rural area east of Portland, Oregon.
The best thing about it though, was I got to take this walk with my wife. We are both busy with our careers and savor the moments like these that are too few and far between. I love our community that we live in because it sort of feels like a throw-back to the old days.
Walking where we live, you will typically see more animals than cars. Horses, cows, llamas, chickens, ducks, geese and of course dogs and cats to name a few. The most noise is from the airplanes flying overhead on their way to the Portland airport but that just serves as a reminder that I don’t live where that plane is going to land.
Oh, sorry, I kind of got caught up in my story. The point is that what makes one person happy may not make another happy and all too often I think many of us forget to do the things that really make us happy. Worse yet, you may have completely forgotten what those things are.
I was riding with a friend the other day and he had just hung up from a negative phone call. I knew he was frustrated, so I asked him to tell me five things he was happy about. Instant attitude adjustment! See how simple that was! So why do we have such a hard time doing the things that truly make us happy? Maybe because we are too caught up on someone else’s definition.
I am planning on taking more of those walks with my wife. I think they make her happy too. We like to spend time together and we both like where we live. Only makes sense to do something that we both like together.
I don’t know what makes you happy but I do know this. You are not doing enough of it. You remember that silly song when we were kids (when we were almost always happy) “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands …” Well maybe it’s time to start clapping your hands again.
If you’re not happy and you know it, quit waiting for something or someone to come along so you can be happy.
My encouragement for today: Figure out what makes you happy and go clap your hands!
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Barry Smith www.buildingwhatmatters.com 4/2/13 photo by author
Barry,
I love that you got to spend an afternoon doing what makes you happy. I just did the same thing with my husband. We were waiting for a Rx to be filled–about 10 minutes, but there was a park across the street. He took my hand and said, “Let’s go for a walk in the park!” That’s what I love about him–He makes me happy!
I found you on the UBC, but my husband and I have another blog we do together on marriage and finding ways to keep the romance alive through the years. You might like to check it out: http://theromanticvineyard.com
Blessings to you and your wife! May you have many more beautiful walks together,
Debi
Thanks Debi. Definitely need more of these. I will check out your site.
Barry, I love getting into nature for an attitude adjustment. My wife and I will leave the summer heat of Florida and visit the Rocky Mountains once again this year. I am so looking forward to the down time for reflection, and connecting with self, God, and nature.
If I was visiting you, I’d like to take a walk there!
Thanks Dan. If you are ever in the neighborhood, let me know. You are always welcome my friend!
“Defining success is what makes the difference.” Yes, I think that is so true. And, I completely liked your sharing about the happiness of talking a walk with the love of your life. In fact, you are speaking of something I was just reflecting on a few moments ago… that being the simple pleasures of life.
I really enjoyed this. Thanks!
Thanks Lee. I have found that the simple things in life usually bring the most reward. Glad you enjoyed it.
Barry I love this post!
I just read a story about a millionaire who gave up on society’s idea of happiness (i.e. stuff) and created a simple life for her family. “Stuff” and the “rich” life actually created more stress for her and her husband. She expressed they were more happier and fulfilled serving their community and building relationships with each other. It is truly the simple things in life that create joy.
It is ironic that I found your post today because I am currently defining success and happiness for myself. As I get older it becomes more simplified.
Thanks Stephanie. Great story! Another great read is “Enough” by Will Davis Jr. He really nails down the idea of how “Stuff” impacts our lives.
I love that “instant attitude adjustment” idea – thinking of 5 things that make you happy when you are angry or frustrated. I’m going to try and remember that next time I get upset by something.
Thanks Ana. I think you will be pleased with the results!