Happy Talk
Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day,
than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.
Benjamin Franklin
I was thinking of that quote today, as I thought about all of the conveniences I depend upon to make Winter more tolerable. (It was 11 degrees below zero at my house this morning!) As I thought about heated rooms, being able to wash and dry clothes indoors, a Jeep with a heater and four-wheel drive, a coat and gloves, soup heating on the stovetop, and an electric blanket, I realized that those do more than make life tolerable in the winter–they are a source of happiness for me. They make me smile!
I considered also how I could use that to help me deal with some of the sources of frustration, irritation and–on occasion–unhappiness in my life. There is no more hackneyed happy talk than to say that things could be worse, so I won’t say that. Trying the Pollyanna philosophy that even the worst things have good elements, can be a bit much–and is sometimes not true. Talking about being grateful doesn’t always help either, because there is a difference between being grateful and being happy, isn’t there?
So, I think I’ll simply consider the small conveniences and pleasures more closely and smile in thankfulness for them, just as I am thankful for loved ones, health, safety and security and wonderful opportunities in my life.
Cell phones and group plans, email, music files, Sonic Diet Cokes with extra lime–easy ice, hot water anytime, shower dispensers for five kinds of soap and shampoos, an extra refrigerator, Netflix, Roomba, three sets of colorful measuring cups, home fragrances that don’t give me a headache, a neighbor who is helpful, the full moon, any moon, Juncos in the pine tree….and the list goes on.
There will always be reasons for sadness–life and death makes that a reality for all of us. And, there are many reasons for joy, thanksgiving and contentment. But, I also intend to look for happiness in the small conveniences and pleasures that occur every day.
I’m happy in many ways! I hope you are too.
Hi Tina! Good post and so true. And you always seem happy, so it must work. lol
Comment by denisek. | December 16, 2008
Tina, I agree that there is a difference between gratefulness and happiness. I can be thankful for some things and grateful that things aren’t worse, but still not feel like smiling sincerely. I think the difference is between feeling thankful and feeling joyful. Both should be part of our thoughts.
I hope you are having a blessed season of joy. Don
Comment by Don R. | December 16, 2008
I wondered what the heck was a Roomba so I looked it up. Weird item! My wife will probably ask for one if she reads about it. I’m keeping her away from the computer. Happy Holidays from Wyoming. It’s warmer up here for a change.
Comment by Wiseacre | December 16, 2008
Tina says:
Thank you Denise, Don and Wiseacre for your comments.
Denise, I’m glad I always seem happy, because I truly do feel very happy almost all the time. I’ll send you an email the next time I’m not. 🙂
Don, as usual your thoughts add a good perspective. Thank you!
Wiseacre, I love my Roomba! It can’t take the place of a regular vacuum cleaner for stairs and areas that need a vacuum tool, but it really does well for rooms in general. Be a nice guy and buy one for your wife!
Comment by TLR | December 16, 2008
As someone described as “happy all the time,” when I am NOT happy, it helps to remember that whatever unhappiness I am experiencing is usually temporary.
Happiness is a decision we make every day. I can be unhappy about a situation but still generally happy.
Knowing that I have a choice about my overall outlook in life helps me feel empowered.
Comment by Jennifer | August 1, 2009
Tina says: Very wise words, Jennifer! And you DO seem happy all the time!
Comment by TLR | August 1, 2009