C'mon, get happy

My friend sent me this passage yesterday:
"In the pursuit of happiness many people are too busy to find that which they seek. Frequently the happiness we so passionately desire is found in little events that are but whispered. If we don't pay attention, we miss them.

"There can be happiness in the way light falls through the trees. There can be happiness in the way our children call for us by name or in the familiar sight of our home as we round the corner two blocks away. Happiness weaves its way through precious memories and keepsakes that have no monetary value but are priceless to us. Many take enormous delight in the presence of a beloved pet, just the way it looks at us or the unconditional love it pours out upon us. For some, there is genuine delight in the taste of a specially loved food.

"We are surrounded by that which can be meaningful and full of delight. The question is, will we be still and quiet long enough to acknowledge and enjoy it?"

And it struck me how out of touch with myself I have been the past few years. One thing that whispers at the edge of my awareness is that I already engage in activities that bring me joy and happiness, but the nagging feeling that I should somehow be Doing Something Important often tugs those contented feelings away from me. I have to hold on to them that much tighter.

Thanks for the reminder.