Little things make me happy

Not sure why, but in these last few years I’m really cognizant of little things that make me happy. Not that I wasn’t happy before, but I’ve just realized that some of the things I think about now strike me as random or nothing that anyone would write home about. But maybe that’s why they’re the little things! I’m not embarrassed to share them with you because I have a good idea you also have these weird little things that make you shine if you take the time to think about it.

Chuang Tzu, an influential Chinese philosopher from the 4th century, said “Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness.” I’m convinced this Taoist thinker was onto something special. It seems that if we can achieve harmony with our universe, we become so much more open to peaceful states of happiness. Those who relentlessly seek the magical elixir to cure their unhappiness don’t recognize yet that if they just stay still and stop searching, little pockets of happiness may just find them. Wouldn’t it be worth it to take a chance to fill the void with those little unexpected bouts of joy? The reward could be a richer, fuller life.

Here’s a short list of some of the little things that make me happy.

When something unexpected makes me smile or laugh. Laughing is always fun. It’s even better when you’re not supposed to and you can’t stop! Think grade school with the evil eye of the nun warning you to knock it off. Makes it even more delicious! Everyone loves when it happens sporadically at work, too, so it’s not just a thing of childhood. To this day, there are things that can make me laugh hysterically just at the thought, e.g., when I was a child in Philadelphia, the lady at the bus stop whose underpants gave in to stretched-out elastic and fell down at her feet. She calmly stepped out of the said underwear and put them in her purse! She didn’t crack a smile or seem embarrassed! Haha! I can hear you laughing!

Hearing the purr/growl of my six-pound long-haired Chihuahua, Bella, when she greets me each night. You just know it means “Hello! Pay attention to me. I’ve missed you very much!”

Watching my eight-pound long-haired Chihuahua, Baci, dance to greet us anytime we come home or even walk into a room. His father’s name wasn’t Cujo Dancer for nothing. Of course, he needs to pick up a Nylabone as an accessory to his dance to satisfy his oral fixation.

Taking pictures of clouds, trees, landscapes, buildings, bridges, people….well, taking pictures. Thanks to digital cameras we can look at the photos immediately and retake until we get the shot we want. Amazing results and so much fun!

Looking back at the pics I’ve taken. Always great memories that make me smile.

Looking at my friends’ pics on Facebook. You know how everyone always says you have to show me your vacation photos? Well, we never do. But FB makes it easier for each of us to look when we feel like it and now there’s so much more photo-sharing than there was in the “prints in an album” time. Just love seeing all the places friends are visiting, the flowers in their garden, and the nice memories they’re creating with their beautiful families.

The tile plaque on my desk that says:

The Real To-Do List
• Sing.
• Smile at strangers.
• Keep learning.
• Notice kindness.
• Eat ice cream.
• Hope.
• Count your blessings.
• Laugh.
• Love.
• Love some more.

How I want to live my life. Need I say more?

Driving through Valley Forge Mountain each morning. Every season is just gorgeous. My car leads me through the blossoms and new growth of spring and the thick, green of the trees in summer. In fall, the colors are amazing. In winter, the hanging ice and snow is breathtaking. It’s only a few minutes of my commute each morning, but driving through that wonderland is a great way to start my work day.

Feeling a quick blast of weather and changing seasons. Leaving the cold office building and the heat of the warm sun thickly envelops me. Ahh! Conversely, leaving the warm office building and the crisp, chilly air hits me in the face. This beautiful earth rocks!

Feeling a quick wave of fortune after shopping at Trader Joe’s (see my earlier post). Or when I’m driving on my long commute and something along the way hits me as beautiful. Or I think of someone fondly. Or I remember a nice time. It’s a most amazing feeling that life is good and everything will be okay no matter what. I can’t make it happen at will, but that’s what’s more special about it. When it does happen, it’s such a pleasant surprise that makes me feel so lucky that I literally choke up for a quick euphoric second. If this feeling could be bottled and sold, someone would make a lot of money. Or give it away for free knowing that enough payment would be good karma.

Now I gave you a peek into a window of myself. Just goes to show you that a lot of little things can add up to something big. A big feeling of happiness!

So I’m sure your list would be unique to you. What are some little things that make you happy? Would love to hear from you…if blogspot lets you comment! Haha!

Until next time, yours in fun and happiness…Therese

Live your life: Do one thing every day that makes you happy

We lost a dear friend today. Yes, life is good, but it’s also not fair at times. Whether we see parents losing children or children losing parents, it’s never easy. It’s never okay. But life can still be so enjoyable when we learn to face the challenges in front of us and accept that we have no guarantees on this good earth.

Fran, Therese, and Claudia

My friend Claudia was a smart, strong woman, sporty and athletic. She was a devoted wife to one of the most wonderful and positive husbands we know. She was a dedicated mother to two of the finest children parents could have. They are smart, athletic, and so much a result of a loving family environment. I always admired Claudia’s strength and loved her sense of humor, not to mention her warm, caring attitude. All our friends knew she truly cared about each one of us and our families. Our children grew up together and we shared everything from sporting events to special occasions. Even though we may not have seen each other every day as the kids got older, when we did all get together, it was like we never missed a beat. There was always love, fun, and laughter.



Jerry and Claudia, a beautiful couple. Role models for the rest.

Losing someone close reminds us all of the frailty of life. Death makes you realize that we shouldn’t take any day for granted. No sense putting off enjoying your life waiting for everything to be lined up and perfect. Life’s not perfect, so you’ll waste a lot of time waiting for that day to come. Losing another friend in our crowd makes me think some more about how I want to live my life. It’s all still a work in progress as it should be. When our work is done, our finite time in this life with those we know here is over.

Here are some thoughts that motivate me and things I strive for to live my life to the fullest:
• One of my favorites: Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff.
• Be the best you can be. Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes. (Note: I said “when,” not “if.” We are human.)
• Accept that you can only do your best. We only know what we know, but we can continue to learn and improve our attitude.
• Do what makes you happy. It’s a choice. We all have ups and downs, but search for a bright spot and make your own happiness. And if you don’t have the will to make a change or fix something, try not to complain so much. It's never attractive.
• Be patient with others. You don’t know what someone else is dealing with.
• Be tolerant of those with beliefs that don’t match your own. Open your eyes to how others may think. We are all products of our environments, but we have the power to be so much more if we are willing to work at who we want to be. You may be certain you’re on target about an idea, but yes, acknowledge that you can’t always be right. Although no one can take away your own perspective, leave room for growth. If you’re at an impasse with someone, agree to disagree then move on. It’s just not worth standing in the way of peace, yours or theirs.
• The golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. How could this not be obvious?
• Recognize ignorance, but don’t let it ruin your day. Don’t let small minds get the best of you and bring you down. Serve as an example to others. You may be the person to inspire and teach another.
• We can’t even control our own universe, so it won’t be helpful to try to control others. That’s always a lose-lose situation.
• Friends and family are always important. Make time for them in your life.
• Don’t rush life. As children, days seem to move slowly and we constantly remark that we can't wait for our birthday, summer, holidays, until we can make our own decisions and do what we want…. Life goes fast enough as we mature. Enjoy something you like each day and remember what Thomas Jefferson said, "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."

When the children were young, Claudia and I spent many days and nights together while they played. We talked about life, fun, and our families. Recently at the hospital, we talked just like we did over many years. Claudia was not a complainer in life or sickness. Always a positive force, Claudia didn’t waste time feeling sorry for herself. In the hospital, we caught up on the latest. We chatted about our families, what the kids were doing, and she asked about my daughter’s upcoming wedding plans.

Claudia happy to see our son.


At the end of the visit, Claudia said she was sorry she didn’t have much to contribute to the conversation because she’d been holed up in the hospital room so long, but she said it was so nice to hear what was going on with us and talk about “normal” things. What Claudia didn’t realize was that it was a normal conversation and she contributed so much, as she always had. This was normal for Claudia—loving, caring, and warm—making a difference in all the lives she touched. Thank you, dear friend. We love you always for your friendship and vibrant life. Knowing you made me happy. Thanks for modeling for us all how to live life to the fullest and be happy each day.

Until next time, yours in faith and friendship…Therese