You always bring others happiness.
That was the message when I cracked open the cookie and read the fortune on the skinny slip of paper. Dessert, following Chinese take-out. Well. I suppose I made the restaurant happy when I purchased lunch for three. Does that count?
Routines – ho hum
Can’t say there’s been much of a routine this summer. Can’t say I was happy about that.
About the only routine was too much take-out (of every variety), and hauling my son out of town twice a week for a class.
And while tossing out the routine can be just what the doctor ordered, prolonged chaos (or drifting?) is anything but satisfying.
However ho hum, routines do serve a purpose. They reinforce (necessary) discipline, and help get things done, which in turn makes time for happier pursuits.
Nonetheless, routine can be dull dull dull! The machinery, the infrastructure, the dreary daily essentials. For example?
Routine, thy name is tedium:
- getting up early to go to work
- getting up early to look for work
- getting up early to take out the dog
- cleaning up after the dog
- paying bills, avoiding paying bills, scrubbing anything, doing laundry.
Routines – yeah, baby!
Now let’s talk rowdier, raunchier, rambunctious routines! Some are definitely of the make others happy sort, and put a smile on your face at the same time.
A few are obvious; several, less so. All are personal:
- rah-rah-regular-rambunctious woo hoo (interpret as you will)
- tantric tango (oo-là-là)
- daily walking
- happy news from email friends
- designer shoe sales.
Interesting discovery regarding the root of happiness
Desirous of ample visuals to illustrate these words, I searched through Google images for illustrations of happiness.
To my surprise, I found (only) one of a man holding dollars (money can’t buy happiness), and no sports cars, mansions, or bling of any sort… In fact, the choices were remarkably limited.
How do you picture happiness?
I did locate sunsets, flowers, a few family scenes, numerous toothy smiles and (goofy) smileys. But one photo stood out – three young girls, beaming – ironically, an image from a UN-related conference on “Happiness,” which took place in Bangkok in 2007.
The pursuit of happiness
You always bring others happiness. I pondered that; it’s a lovely sentiment, but one that distorts reality. Happiness isn’t a static state, and no one else can “bring” it to you.
Admittedly, joy often comes in concert with loving or inspiring relationships.
I know that if I had to choose from my personal store of imagery, happiness would shine in the faces of my children (at any age), and the faces of those I have loved. Not shoes. Not sunsets. Not flowers.
And if the fortune had been blank?
After all, we really do write our own fortunes, to a large extent… Like so many parents, I wouldn’t hesitate.
May my children be healthy, happy, and strong.
.
I loved the picture of the elegant “briefcase”, which reminded me of the men and women in Europe with classy and stylish business accessories.
As the for tango, women in high heels and stockings like that, suffice it to say, the images run the gamut.
As our author points out, the daily routines, while oftentimes dreary or monotonous, are what ground us in our lives. I recall the use of this theme from many “day after destruction” science fiction films, where it is used as a clarion call for returning to normalcy.
In the end, the 3 smiling children, well, what better satisfaction than the happiness on your children’s faces, again and again.
Those of us who experience those moments are fortunate indeed.