Through The Looking Glass: On Happiness

hap.pi.ness noun: the state of being happy synonyms: pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, cheerfulness, merriment, gaeity, joy, viviality, jollity, glee

Last week, I freaked out. I mean, I really lost it over a situation that was small, unimportant and inconsequential. The details about the situation don't matter. I'll just say it surrounded late flights and broken-down airport technology and the fact I had to fly somewhere when what I really wanted to do was stay at home in my jammies and make pot roast while writing the next great American novel.

In that hour-long, 7:00 a.m. "freak-out," last Sunday, instead of embracing an attitude of gratitude for all of the blessings in my life, I chose to focus on everything that was wrong. I rolled around in salty tears and dramatic self-pity and pent up anger. My sisters got to hear the brunt of it and quietly talked me off the ledge Then I called one of my besties, Steph, to help me "snap out" of it. Over veggie quiche and coffee in my bustling neighborhood cafe, we laughed about my insanity. Before I knew it, I was back to my (slightly more) rational self.

In the freak-out, I was everything I loathe: I was one of those people who slosh around in a bog of despair, gloom and negativity. I had temporarily forgotten that I could choose my reaction to the situation, could choose how I felt about my upcoming trip, and tip the scales in my favor just by changing my perspective.

It's taken me 50 years to realize that I can, no matter how dire the circumstance, choose happiness. So, in an effort to make up for my pity-party of last week, here are the top 10 reasons I'm happy and grateful for today:

1. Exploring my creativity. I get to write and explore photography and share it with the world. I get to splash red paint on white canvas and call it art.

2. Hearing my daughter laugh. Nothing warms the heart more than knowing that the beautiful young woman in the room next to mine is happy, too.

3. New friendships. I am blessed with people I can open up to without fear of judgment.

4. My healthy body. For someone who has spent a lifetime beating herself up about her looks, I've finally said "enough." Everything is working today, and for that I'm grateful.

5. My family. Maybe it sounds cliche, but I'm dang lucky to have a family who's got my back 'round the clock.

6. Work. I'm blessed with a job in a rewarding field, and get to work with killer co-workers. Plus I've got a freelance career that keeps me hoppin'. I can't complain.

7. Faith. I have faith that everything is falling into place just as it should.

8. Fall. No season makes me happier than Fall. Cool nights, boots and old blue jeans. Bring it on.

9. Possibilities. I'm on the edge of possibilities both personally and professionally. I know great things are right around the corner.

10. YOU. I'm happy about you, and grateful you're taking the time to read this. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than sharing my thoughts and feelings through the written word.

Today, I choose happiness over negativity. What are you happy about? Feel free to comment, or dash me a line at alipat6@gmail.com