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.
