Defining happiness....

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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?