Happy?

Just received the following from a friend: “When I was in grade school, they told me to write down what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down happy. They told me I didn't understand the assignment. I told them they didn't understand life.”

My grandmother always told me: "Happy is as happy does."

Parents' most consistently and universally stated desire for their child(ren) is happiness. I'm wondering how many are in fact living the happiness they wish [and could be modeling] for their children.

Although many may consider this a rather subjective quality, I would suggest that it may well consist in the simple appreciation of the good they see [or should/could/might see] all around them...a voiced awareness that:
• "We came to eight green lights and only 2 red ones."
• "I love when I remember to bring my gloves."
• “Wow! Clean, fluffy towels!”
• "Birds are singing today. They must be happy."
• “Great! Free refills!”
• "Wasn't it nice that the neighbor shoveled the walk for us?"

Or it could be in the form of a question which generates even more thoughtfulness. This also brings the positive assumption that the child has ideas [and solutions] of their own:
• “What’s the good news?” [about a difficult or sad situation].
• “What was the best part of your day?”
• “What would be better – to wear your coat or carry it?”
• “Aren’t we lucky to have a nice warm house to live in?”
• “How could we make this problem better, friend happier, day brighter?”

Positive focus - and its resultant happiness - is a gift we can give to our children only by living it ourselves first. It’s astonishing how, when we put our attention [intention] on the good news, it becomes magnified in our lives and the lives of those around us. Perhaps it’s as simple as appreciating the good that’s already here. And that makes room for more.

So, flex your happiness muscle. Be alert, aware, and appreciative. DO be a part of the “happy is” team, and watch the world become a better place - one smile at a time!