The Happiness Report No. 7

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Good morning friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend, can you believe it is almost September? I am not rushing into Fall, I’m savoring the beautiful weather, the sun, and some time at the beach but I do love the crisp, cool air, the scent of a morning fire, the early evenings of Fall.  I know that I am in the minority but I love everything about Fall and Winter, I grew up in the Midwest and also lived a few years in Alaska; the snow, early evenings, long days and nights at home with family, a roaring fire, games, puzzles, a stack of books and the convenient excuse to slow down and rest. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face. 

It finally stopped raining here this weekend(it has been raining for weeks) so it was nice to see the sun. We went out for a few walks, and went on a road trip. Covid-19 has allowed us to explore our own town and state and it is fun to see places that we haven’t explored in the 12 years we’ve lived here. 

My mother-in-law, who is 93, was admitted to the hospital this week for a few days, thankfully she is back at home(she lives alone) and is doing well. I hope and pray that my own parents live to be in their 90’s. My dad is 81 and yesterday when we spoke he told me his baseball team(he plays 2 times a week) is in first place. 

I am not sure why but lately I feel lighter, more focused, as if I am on the path in life I am meant to be on. Which is funny because I did not even realize that I was unhappy or unsettled.  Has anyone else felt like this? Not just while we have been sheltering in place but even at another time in their life?

Typically when I walk in the morning I like to be present and “meditate”, I like to look at the mushrooms that have popped up overnight, listen to the birds chirping and then when I get to the water I love to watch the fish jump or the egrets eating their breakfast. Lately though I have been using my walk to travel, to England, France and other places by listening to podcasts. Some of my favorites are The Earful Tower(Paris and France), 100,000 Welcomes Scotland Podcast, Hope, Through History. 

I hesitate to write this but I am also feeling happy because I am looking forward to the holidays, they feel like a beacon, a lighthouse on the horizon steering us towards happiness. I am hoping and praying that November or December will be “safe” enough to venture afar and see my parents, and my mother-in-law. If not I will be happily ensconced at home baking, wrapping gifts and sending off care packages. 

What is making you happy lately? Are you enjoying the summer sun, the waning days before Fall? Are you back at work, are your kids in school? Have you been taking any classes online, reading a good book, or doing anything that brings you joy? 

I hope that you stay safe from the virus, the fires, the storms and any other catastrophe that seems to have befallen us lately. Keep your chin up, and have a great week.