Thursday, April 22, 2010

What Is It?

I hope you can read this comic. It was in the Sunday paper on April 11th. It's the last panel that struck me. (Click on the panel to enlarge.)

I don't agree with Agnes' assertion. In fact, I don't even find it particularly humorous. I see Grandma's comment as an example of finding happiness in the little, ordinary, every day things of our lives. In this comic, Agnes and Grandma are poor and they make do with whatever they have. That, in and of itself, to me, defines a kind of happiness many of us can't understand.

I used to think more, more, more meant I was happy. I realized that I filled the hole in myself with stuff in an unsuccessful attempt to ward off unhappiness. Since that realization, I have struggled, unsuccessfully at times, to be sure, to find happiness every day. Witness the "Luck" journal now evolving into a "Blessings" journal.

What makes someone happy will vary day by day, minute by minute. I have tomato soup, my last can, simmering on the stove. I have tossed in a small handful of rice, frozen peas and carrots and some Bacos. The smell as my supper cooks is wonderful. I have one container of pot roast ready for lunch tomorrow. I have frozen chicken breast pieces I toy with cooking. I will have to cook them this weekend, but how.

I have two cats who came running to greet me when I walked in the door. The only bill I received today was for the car insurance which I can pay monthly which removes the need to come up with hundreds of dollars all at once to be insured.

Business has picked up. It's been downright crazy this week. We have everything covered and the potential exists that I will, once again, have to go into the field to cover jobs. This is a good thing. I am more hopeful that friends I have who are currently out of work will find gainful employment this summer.

So, while Agnes may claim that a pecan stuck in one's tooth is not happiness, I would say
"Happiness is where you find it."

I have a friend who I think is entirely too negative, even for what slings and arrows he has suffered in his life. I know, from experience, that you cannot change anyone unless they wish to change, but what I'm trying to get him to see is that it's not gloom and doom. Even when he has to confront a person he thought was his friend, there can be a blessing and a happiness, however meager, in the event. It might be something as small as the knowledge that this person can no longer poison your life because you won't let them or that the sun is shining on a brilliantly beautiful afternoon.

It really becomes, "Is the glass half-full or half-empty?" I try to take the tact, "It's not whether it's half-full or half-empty, it's can I get another?" Your take on all of this is probably, "Why is she drinking her Asti from an Elmer Fudd glass?"

Beverage: Asti

Deb

No comments:

Post a Comment