Monday, September 26, 2011

What Do You Need To Be Happy?




"The day after tomorrow is the
third day of the rest of your life."
~ George Carlin


The radio was tuned to our national CBC station the other day. I heard part of an interview with a woman who is a classical singer. I never did get her name, but something she said caught my attention: she said that singing made her happy.

Another woman, a pianist, said she needed to play in order to be happy. For her it was such a priority 'that everything else seems simple.'

I immediately thought:

1. I need to read every day, for I feel bereft if I haven't had a chance to read from a book or an interesting article.

2. I also need to connect in some way to the heart of someone. It could be as simple as looking into the face of a baby in his stroller and our eyes meeting, and we both recognize we connected.

3. Another thing essential to my well-being is my need for times in my day and week to be completely alone. As much as I enjoy being with people, if I've not had that quiet away time, or I've been around too much company, I start to feel frayed around the edges.

* * * * *

Oh yes... if you're wondering how George Carlin's comment above fits in this, lets not allow too much time to pass before we pursue that one special thing we know brings back the joy to our hearts. Don't wait till the day after tomorrow to do what makes you happy.


What do you need to keep happy?
Brenda






11 comments:

  1. To write, to laugh, to make others laugh, a cat on my lap, a baby giggling, Jesus, music, coffee, friends who listen, sunshine.

    Thanks for asking!

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  2. Jeanette, your list is all part of my own too... to write, to laugh, cats on laps, baby giggling, Jesus.....

    I'm glad you shared!

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  3. Hi Brenda, today's post was deeply thought-provoking. I too believe it is vital to seek out and find the joy of the moment. I think these little bits of joy and silliness are the answers to our prayers, just waiting to be uncovered. Little gifts to shore us up and keep us strong.

    But when I think about though, it has been awhile since I have sat down and thought about what I can personally do for myself, to make me happy. What activities or things do I need like water? I'm going to think seriously about that today. Have a beautiful morning! Delisa :)

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  4. Creating something - with words, food, fabric, paper or thread is high on my list for making me happy. Solitude and reading are also high on the list. It's good to know what makes us happy so that we can be happy for those around us.

    Great post!

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  5. Wise words Brenda...My first thought was I need COFFEE! But guess that would be a bit shallow! :) I like to take joy in small things even when things are NOT so good in the grand picture of life. Life without joy, to ME, is like life without hope.

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  6. My list also includes reading and alone/quiet time (yes, we are a lot alike, arent we).

    Other things...my hubby, knitting, time with friends, my dog(I've always loved animals even as a small child), being home (I'm a homebody).

    Oh, and I really like the George Carlin quote. :o)

    Thanks for letting me take time to list what makes me happy. It's important to realize it's the "ordinary" days that make up our lives so we should strive to find joy each day.

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  7. you are invited to follow my blog

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  8. Well, I love blogging for one - but I think the thing that makes me happy is to be listened too. sandie

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  9. Wise parting words! I need to be creative to be happy - writing, painting, directing - as long as the creative juice is flowing I'm good.

    What makes me UNHAPPY is that I probably will not get to the Inscribe Conference. :(

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  10. I'm like you, Brenda. I really need that solitude in order to refill my cup with the peace and serenity He gives only at those quiet times. And, like you, if I've gone too long without it I begin to fray around the edges. I'm having one of those days and your post helped me realize that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

    Hugs,
    Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo