Pursue Happiness

I hope you all had a great Fourth of July! It was warm here in SoCal with clear skies. At the Cox house, our celebration for the USA’s 249th birthday was filled with the typical fare of summer culinary delight. Watermelons, hamburgers, hotdogs, chili, and chips. I was happy to have all our kids here, including our grand-dog. We had a good time together. We enjoyed sweet summer treats and celebrated life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The pursuit of happiness. I love that phrase. It reminds us that happiness is a mission, an optimistic way of life, not an accomplishment. It is a continuous journey, not merely a destination to be won or attained. We pursue it and unlock its rewards by placing one foot in front of the other. In a lot of ways, it may seem like happiness is a myth, a fantasy or reality distortion field. But I propose that it is an energy. Plugging in to this source requires deliberate effort and intent. The stream of happiness is all around us. But do we choose to dip our toes into it? Do we run into the deep waters with laughter, joy, and excitement? Can our hands scoop up the tranquility and euphoria that flows by our days?

Pursue happiness. Can I suggest that you pause for a few minutes right now? I know there is a lot going on. My calendar is rocky with sharp and dry edges too. There are plenty of demands and needs all around. But to navigate the treacherous journey that this day may bring, we need energy. We need oxygen. We need a dose of happiness.

The good news is that happiness is nearby. We just need to capture it and enjoy it. Pause. Look around. Breathe in and out. Feel the tranquility of life settle on you for a moment. Close your eyes. That glowing ember just in front of you is the heart of happiness. Do you see it? Reach out and grab hold of it. That merriment is meant for you. Drink it in! All of it. Celebrate the contentment of the moment. Here, right now, there is peace. There is joy. Now breathe again and open your eyes. Go ahead, let that smile take over your face. You plugged in to happiness and are powered to go into the day. Go make it a great one!