Happy

“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy, and celebration.  The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.”

Happy Dog remains in many of my childhood memories.  Yes, I had a dog named Happy.  I’m not entirely sure where her name originated, but I am sure that she was well loved.  Happy was our Lassie dog.  She returned our love with a furiously wagging tail and wet kiss, and crossed her paws like a proper lady.  This post has little more to do with her than this introduction, and only relates because her name is the focal point of my rambling conscience this evening.

I wonder why some people are just generally happier than others.  Why do some people always seem to be having the time of their life, while others are constantly stuck in despair?  What is it that makes life so much more enjoyable for some, and so much more miserable for others?  Why can certain people, even while in a rut of hopelessness, still find pleasures in everyday life, while others wallow in self-pity even in fortunate situations?

I made a Happy Flow-Chart on my wall some time ago.  A friend came in to my room last week and told me it was flawed.  “Why would anyone choose to not be happy?” he asked me.  I told him it was to indicate that to some extent happiness was a choice, and if you are not happy then you have a decision to try to alter your situation.  He argued that no one would actively make the decision to remain unhappy, thus there was no reason for the entire right side of the chart.*

Well that got me thinking.  Why are some people so unhappy all the time?  Why do I see posts about how miserable life is every time I get on Facebook?  I want to help, I want to help desperately.  I want to bring happiness to my distressed friends.  But it seems like no matter what I do, even if I can bring joy for a moment, it is still just a moment.  No lingering elation to carry through the week.  Just a fleeting glimpse of a smile before it disappears again. 

I like chocolate.  A lot.  I also like Dove and their inspirational quotes on the inside of their chocolate wrappers.  I got one at some point this semester that said, “Happiness is a form of courage.” and while packing up my room came upon it again.  Evidently when I found it the first time I agreed so much as to keep a tiny piece of tin foil.  When I found it the second time I agreed so much as to write an entire post about it.  It must be pretty good advice.

Happiness is a form of courage.  It takes courage to wake up every morning and have a good day.  It takes courage to embrace the situation and smile, even when every part of your body is scared as hell as to what the day may bring.  It is not easy by any means.  For anyone.

I think C.S. Lewis also had some good advice on this topic.  “Affection is responsible for 9/10ths whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”

The relationships that we develop through life ultimately are what bring us joy.  I think of all the fun things that I like to do: hiking, running, playing the guitar, etc.  I enjoy all of those activities, and I enjoy them even more when done along side a good friend or family member.  Don’t get me wrong, I treasure my “me” time, and long runs by myself are often the highlight of my day, but there is something special about an experience with someone else.

I think with this comes the advice to not take life too seriously.  It is important to work hard, get a good job, and take care of your responsibilities… But that needs to be balanced with a good amount of fun, and fun with people at that.  Calvin and Hobbes have it right when Calvin is contemplating how to spend the rest of his afternoon.  He says, “In the SHORT term, it would make me happy to go play outside.  In the LONG term, it would make me happier to do well at school and become successful…  But in the VERY long term, I know which will make better memories.”  The strip ends with Calvin and Hobbes sledding off into the distance.  I’m not agreeing with the pretentious 6 year old because I hate school and just want to play Calvinball all day… I think he’s actually on to something.

Happy Dog had it right.  She didn’t worry, she didn’t fear the day.  She woke up ready, full of courage to love, be loved, and have fun. 

Tomorrow, I will wake up like Happy.

*In my opinion, I won that argument