I Am Happiest When [No.16]

Posted by Jill Chivers in Happy

It’s not about always being happy

When I embarked onto this exploration deep into the landscape of happiness, I had this rather naïve idea (I realise now) that it was about always being happy.  Never having a down day, or a melancholy moment.

Not so.

I’ve discovered that the full spectrum of emotions — including those considered negative or at least less positive like anger, frustration, loss — is something we want, it is what makes us human.

But even if we don’t want all those emotions, that’s simply too bad – they come with the territory.

Here’s the thing I’ve discovered:  those emotions, those negative ones, have less ability to cause me pain when I’m aware of how transient they are.  When I don’t hang onto them for dear life.  When I don’t fan the flames that keeps them burning bright and sharp and painful.

I am happiest when (#16)

I’m spending time with my mum

My mum is one of the funnest people to be with.  She’s witty, quick, and generous.  She’s sharp, she’s courageous, she’s irreverent.  Sure, we’ve had our ups and downs over the years, and some decidedly not so fun times.  But she’s still one of the best people I know to spend time with.

It’s her birthday today, she’s 71.  She’s had some health ups and down, including a serious stomach op 9 years ago followed within weeks having her lung removed due to lung cancer.  She’s still with us and for that I am more grateful than I can say.

Mum and me

My mum and me

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