Be Happy

Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their mind to be.

Abraham Lincoln

It’s true, happiness is a state of mind.That being said, it helps to surround yourself with what you love. The loved ones in our lives can’t always be there, yet we can work to be enveloped by things that make us happy. As I look back over my writing, favorite things is a recurring theme. Through the years I’ve worked to create a tranquil space in my life.

The ceramic tile in the photo above makes me joyful. It was created by an artist in Manchester, England and hangs on a floor lamp, behind a chair in the bedroom. It’s one of the first things I see when I get up in the morning. I like both the theme of the bird and that it is hand -crafted. As a writer, I am drawn to the creativity of others.

The bird theme continues. The French Hens come from an artist in the south of France and were a gift from my husband and son. Of course , in my house, a book always appears in a photo somewhere.

Art is one of many things that gives me happiness. Books, music, flowers, photos, family heirlooms all create a sense of peace in my life. A friend who travels a lot for work tells me she always packs a family photo, a favorite candle and something to read for pleasure in her luggage. No matter where she is, she can connect with things that remind her of home.

I hope you are surrounded by whatever makes you happy.