Living a Happy Life

It's been said that Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth, and I think that much of that statement is true. Underneath the imagination and magic of Mickey and Cinderella, are simply some very happy people. Truly.  Pleasant, kind, smiling, happy people. And they are employees.

It's kind of annoying. Well, not really. But, just a little.

How can these people be so happy?

I've been think about that quite a lot since our trip . . . the whole idea of "happiness". When starting my blog I chose a title that ended in "happiness" because I truly do believe so much in living a happy life. I try. I'm not always bubbles and ponies, but I try to BE happy. I'm wondering what makes others happy? Not the "Oh, I just won a million dollars" happy. I'm talking about just day to day happiness. The feeling of complete contentment with the life we are living and the things we are doing in it.

While wandering through Magic Kingdom last week, I lost the rest room. The happy Disney people give you these handy dandy maps with the little icons on them to show you where the rest rooms are located, but at one point I was so turned around that I couldn't figure out which way was up. So, I looked around for the closest Disney happy person, and asked for directions. The first employee I found was a young man, probably in his mid-30's, who was sweeping up popcorn, empty food wrappers, gum, and whatever else some not-so-happy people dropped on the ground for him to clean. I approached him expecting to really annoy him with such a question (I had a map in my hands, after all), and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting, could you possibly tell me where I can find the nearest rest room?"  To my surprise, this young man lifted his head and with the brightest smile and happiest eyes ever, and routed me to the location I requested with such enthusiasm and pleasantness, you would have sworn he was a cartoon character. I was taken back by his happiness. Really. And he knew it. I think I said, "Wow. .  " or something like that, and he said, "Have a wonderful day, Ma'am," with a wink and a smile, and returned to picking up garbage.

On the way back from the rest room, I passed my friend as he moved on to another area of the park to clean. As I passed him, he looked up, smiled, and gave me a salute with his index and middle fingers. I've thought about him a few times since then, and now as I write this post. I wonder how he, in the middle of picking up the garbage of an theme park, is able to be . . . happy.

When was the last time you really thought about what makes you happy? It's been a while for me, so today I'm making a list and reminding myself of the things in this life that bring me joy, that bring me contentment, that make me happy.

In case you were wondering, here are some day to day things I came up with that really do make me happy, in no particular order:

• seeing my PG's cell phone number on our Caller ID and knowing that when I pick up the phone, I'll hear his voice
• the smell of Johnsons & Johnsons baby lotion
• flowers . . . any color . . . any style
• the moment my husband comes home after a long business trip or a day at work . . . just knowing that my family is together in our home makes me completely and totally happy
• coming up to the window in a Starbucks drive-thru and smelling the coffee . . . seriously . . . happy
• the smell of freshly popped pop corn
• hearing either of my daughters say, "I love you, Mommy"
• thinking of the movie "Staying Alive". . . seriously . . . there's no Oscar wins for this movie, but just thinking about it brings a smile to my face . . . John Travolta dancing like a bad Solid Gold Dancer . . . HAPPINESS!
• peace
• knowing that all the laundry is done and put away
• listening to my daughters be especially kind to one another
• reading comments from dear blog friends 
• the hour of quiet time I have in my family room at night when the children and hubby are sleeping and I have complete and total alone time . . . happy
• the first snow fall
• when I step out of the shower in the morning and find that PG has left a cup of coffee right there on the bathroom counter all ready for me . . . bliss
• freshly painted tootsie toes right after a pedicure
• snuggling with my daughters at the end of a long hard day
• being alive . . . really

Recognizing that happiness is different for everyone, I asked Katie and Ella what makes them happy. You might get a kick out of their replies.

This is what makes Katie (age 7) happy . . .

• ocean sounds
• playing with friends
• McDonalds
• silly bands
• chasing Ella
• when Daddy is home
• swimming
• one on one time with Mom
• being tickled

This is what makes Ella (age 3 1/2) happy . . .

• Katie makes me happy when she eats funny carrots (side note: I have no idea what she is talking about!)
• juice
• when Katie draws a 3 (side note: Again, I have no idea what she is talking about!)
• when Mommy goes like this (Ella starts tickling herself) and I get tickles that make me laugh
• playing Super Mario on the Wii
• hamsters (side note: we don't have one, but my neighbor does and Ella is obsessed with it!)

Today, I challenge you to focus on the good in your day. The little things. Not the big problems that weigh you down, but the freedoms and little luxuries that make us smile. Take note of the things that are around you that bring you happiness, and remember that you make a choice to live the life you live . . . today, let's all be happy.

I know I will.

While you're at it, feel free to share some of the things that make YOU happy in the comments. I'd love to know (and maybe I won't feel so bad about my silly "Stayin' Alive" happiness after I read some of your list!)

Have a wonderful day, friends!