Happiness

Pleasure is spread through the earth

In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.

~William Wordsworth, 1806

 

William Wordsworth is one of my favorite poets of all time. I love what he says about life. I just came across the above quote this morning and it re-affirms why he is such an awesome poet.

 

I have been thinking lately about optimism and happiness. Most of the time I am an optimist. But of course, there are always those times when I think, 'Why does this have to happen to me?' or 'Does this ever happen to anybody else besides me?'  I have been working really hard to be happy no matter what and look for those 'stray gifts' that are all around for me to enjoy.

 

Having a little guy around really helps remind me that anything and everything can make you happy. He laughs when I blow my nose or if I put a pillow on his head. I just want to challenge everyone to try extra hard to see the optimism, joy, and happiness in every situation/experience you come across. It has really helped me.

Here he is watching Baby Eintein and eating his Cheerios one morning.

When's the last time a laundry basket made you this happy?

Dad was making him smile

He was putting the pillow on his face and then lifting it up to see where Mom was.

Have You Ever ....

..... text'd someone in your sleep? ... and it makes sense? I did this a few weeks ago with my sister Jill. I sent her a picture via cell phone of Gabe with my reading glasses on. This was in the morning, after feeding the little guy. Then I fell asleep, and Jill text'd me: "Has he read any good books lately?" I later looked back at my text messages and realized I had read and replied to that message, it read: "Yes, 56 books." Wow. I have been known to talk and walk in my sleep, but sleep texting? Where will it go next?


..... had one of your worst nightmares come to pass? I have nightmares at night of things that could go wrong with my baby. Things I think every mother would fear. Well, today one of those nightmares happened. Because it is fresh on my nerves and my memories, I'd rather not say what it is right now. My body is still shaking from it. Maybe later. Gabe is okay though.


..... been the recipient of someone's kindness? And you didn't know how to thank them? That happened to me today ... right after my "nightmare" with Gabe. Sometimes I think people are listening to the Spirit, in order to help others who are in distress. Thank you stranger, you really will never know how much you really helped me.


..... accidentally stolen something? Yes, this happened today too! It's been a busy day. =) I think the last time that happened to me I was four or five and I stole a piece of candy from the grocery store. Well, technically that wasn't an "accident," but I didn't know what I was doing. My mom made me go back to the store and apologize and pay for it and the owner of the store gave me another piece of candy. Mama O was mad.