2015 has arrived and everyone has posted Happy New Year on blogs, Twitter, Facebook, ect. So, what makes you happy?
We all want to feel happy. Happy is different for each of us. Although, happiness in each of us has some commonality. However, what makes me truly happy and content, many not make you feel the same way.
What provides me with happiness? Hmm....The first thoughts that come to mind are my family and friends. I suppose it is innate that this should conjure up in my mind first and foremost. For most of us, that first feeling of intimacy we experienced was our mothers holding us and loving us as infants. The protection within the family unit as we grew. The friendships that we forged, nurtured, matured, and shared. Even those of us that are more introverted (guilty) than extroverted still had these relationships. We still search these relationships out and are developing those relationships with our own children.
My husband provides me with much happiness. He chose me and I chose him. We are doing life together and loving it. We love our quiet time. We love working side by side on a project. We love spending time as a family.
Its the little moments that bring the most happiness. Of course, we plan the big moments. (trips, family vacations, perfect holidays and birthdays, etc.) But, it ultimately comes down to the day to day moments that provide the most happiness. Watching my baby roll over for the first time. The first smile, that was not a gas bubble. The first crawl, first walk, first word, first day of preschool, etc. were all unplanned, but equally enjoyable and happy.
There are many happy moments that aren't the first. As my children get older and the firsts for things are farther apart, I find the little things they do that bring me happiness. Sitting on the sofa and having them sit beside me and just want to snuggle up for no reason. Holding a door open for me without me asking. Feeding the dog or cat without being prodded. Listening to them enjoying each other's company without fussing and fighting.
Friendships are also a source of happiness. Over the years, friends have been made and lost. True friendships have endured. But, as I age, I have noticed it isn't the quantity of friends. It is the quality of friends. There are work friends, and some childhood friends, neighbor friends, etc. However, to connect to a group of women that are supportive and bring out your best is a true find. I have been fortunate to connect to a couple of these women. Our friendship is growing and maturing more and more and it feels so right. 2015 is going to be a year that we are holding each other accountable and growing stronger in our bond. It's going to be awesome!
My children's friendship are also blossoming. They have made so many friends over the last few years. These friendships are on their way to become lasting and mature relationships. Yes, they have had a few disappointing outcomes with friendships. Friendships that started off great, but because of circumstance they have fizzled or become fair weathered. I think the fair weathered friendships are the hardest, as a parent to watch. Those friendships have enabled us to have many a conversation about how true, sustaining friendships should be.
After family and friends, I think of my pets. I have had many dogs and a couple of cats. I am more of a dog person, but the cats I have had I fondly recall. Pets provide that unconditional love that we all crave. They are loyal and don't care how we look or what others think. They cheer us up when we are down and provide us with much entertainment. Each one of my dogs have had a distinct personality. I can't imagine life without having a dog by my side.
My happiness ultimately comes down to me and my relationship with God. Without Him, happiness would have no meaning for me. He provides all these things for me to enjoy and make me happy. I made the choice to look to the Lord for my salvation and happiness and he has provided it. He has given me the ability to be self-confident and self-assured.
So, what makes you happy?
Happy New Year!
