Saturday, October 09, 2010

Defining happiness....

pic
I had one of those six degrees of separation things happen to me recently and was able to get in touch with an old mate I met in London many many moons ago. I got an email from him yesterday and it was so weird to hear his voice in my head again from his email- you know how some people write like they talk?  Apparently I write like I talk. With lots of YELLING and exclamation points and tangents...

It is funny how our lives have gone in the ways they have and he was shocked to know I had an almost 4 year old. His partner is due to have their first baby in a few weeks- SO exciting.

We were both so glad to hear the other is happy with life and where they are now and it was in that moment when I typed to him I realised I everything I had always wanted. I was telling him the 500- words- or- less-update- on- what- have- I- been- doing- that it really hit me. I didn't write it to sound smug just to say - that I am happy... I  have never really dreamed of big things, just a partner I  love so much after almost 10years, a child,  a house on some acres and some good friends,  good food, enough money to not cause us to stress but not to much that we have to spend loads of time making it...

But it's not that I take it all for granted it's just that, well, I am satisfied and I was reminded of how lucky I am. Of course it is not all perfect and of course there are ups and downs and tragedies and unexpected horribleness but their is also a lot of love and laughter...

If the ingredients to happiness are indeed:
1. something to do ( can be paid work, creative pursuits, volunteering etc)
2. something to look forward too ( can be a holiday or watching your children grow)
3. someone to love ( can be person or beast, can be extended family or really close friends )

Then I reckon I am doing pretty good. I bet you are too.
Had you noticed?
Have I reminded you?

20 comments:

  1. That's the axact same outlook that I use Cath - it keeps me happy and contented, and gets me over the bad stuff that happens in life!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You certainly have reminded me. I think our lives are on par. I am happy with all the same things you are. Sometimes life gets so busy, you become annoyed by stupid things, it's nice for someone to make you reflect & think....yep life is pretty damn good. Thanks Cath you have put a spring back in my step today.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ditto Sweets. Although I whinge a lot, it's more of a hobby than actual gripes... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I find that when I re-connect with an old friend, I realize just how good I have it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such an awesome post. And a really fabulous way to start a Saturday morning. We kind of have that here too. Jason and I have been together for 17 years, and we have a little little house in the country, and well, no four year olds, but a three and a half year old chihuahua (Kibi). there's alot of love here, not a huge load of cash, but lots of passion for life, and appreciation of each other, and well, lifes possibilities too. Now I'm blabbing! Thanks for the great read Cath, and your life sounds way cool! xo Kristina.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love your list of ingredients, so simply put Cath. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I laying back in the sun chair yesterday afternoon gazing into the brilliant blue sky as Ms. M ran around the garden naked playing with water and straw and I thought about how happy I am. How lucky I am. How I am content. How even the imperfections are good ones. I felt optimistic. In my story feeling this way is a really big deal. Life is good.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are a glass half full kinda person, Cath.
    Thanks for the reminder, really it is the simple stuff, don't ya think?

    ReplyDelete
  9. corker of a post! Aint it just the truth. thanks for reminding us all - aren;t the people from the past great reminders of things.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think happiness to some extent is a state of mind, its the way you look at the world and your life. It's enjoying the moment and appreciating what you have.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely to hear and lovely to be reminded.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Definitely, a great recipe for happiness. I am very happy - my hubby is very stressed at work at the moment, and that is hard for me to watch - praying that our little business really takes off and he can drop the crazy job! Thanks for the timely reminder of the important things in life :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. We, too, have everything we need, most of what we want and the sense to be thankful on a regular basis. Health, shelter, love, toddler kisses, quality food and clean water--how could I ask for more ?~?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yay for you Ms Chooky!
    I love this post and I love that you took that and turned it into this. You are so lucky and ace and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My thoughts exactly. I'd also add:
    #4 - Someone to love you
    #5 - Energy

    ReplyDelete
  16. It's nice to read your perspective on your life satisfaction. I'm actually a Worrier Princess (named by an old boyfriend for my tendency to worry and overthink most things)so sometimes (a lot) I spend too much time worrying about all the small things (bills, I didn't exercise today, etc) instead of appreciating all the things that just exist like my sweet, generous husband and healthy, thriving little boys. I love a different perspective so thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lovely post Cath. We all need to assess our happiness in the way you've described a bit more often. As I have come to realise, finding contentment has less to do with my circumstances and more to do with my attitude towards them.

    ReplyDelete
  18. it's wonderful to be reminded once in a while. Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete

what a nice person you are- taking the time to comment in this busy hectic world...Thank you!!