On happiness

What is happiness?

It is anticipation.  Maybe you have a certain event that will occur in the near future.  Or the far future.  Does it make you happy to think of the possibilities?  To imagine the positive outcomes?  Even the potential for awkwardness or even negativity is exciting.  Excitement makes me happy.

It is feeling content.  Not tense. Not worried (much). Not annoyed.  Not angry.

It's also feeling good in your skin.  Being ok with you.  Will I ever be completely ok with me?  Not likely.  But for the most part?  I'm accepting myself.  I'm fine with my personality, my temperament.  Even my body.

It is acceptance.  Accepting that things don't always go as planned.  You get disappointed.  You get disillusioned.   These things are going to happen.  Happiness is doing your best to roll with it, maintaining a strong sense of self. 

It is feeling wanted.  And wanting to feel wanted.

It's a hug for a friend.  It is offering support when support is needed.  It is a smile, a joke, a text. It is sharing yourself with others. Opening up.

It's little things.  It's listening to the bird singing in your backyard.  It's the buzz of your phone, with the promise of kind words.  It's intriguing conversations. It's the smell of spring air.  The warm sun on your arms.  The first sip of coffee of the day.  Soaking in a tub of hot, bubbly water.  It's a beautiful song in your ear.  

Mostly, it is your thought process.  I have control over my thoughts.  I can make them have a positive lean.  That's what I work toward each day.