In Others’ Words: Beyond Happiness

There were years I waited and watched for happiness. Hoped for happiness.

And then … well, I wanted more.

Happiness doesn’t stick around very long. It’s a minute by minute occurrence. Circumstantial.

And I can’t control my circumstances.

But oh, I’ve discovered I’ve changed through years of great happiness and great unhappiness — both fleeting.

And I’ve discovered I can grow out of fear into courage. Out of weakness into strength. And I’ve also discovered laughter is my favorite sound.

I can’t stay angry with someone when I share a laugh with them. And sometimes … sometimes, even as tears stream down my face expressing the ache in my heart, there’s an echo of a sweet laugh or two that softens the sharp bitterness of the moment.

So as I walk out of the shadow of 2013 and into the sunlight of 2014, I empty my pockets of the bits and pieces of happiness that have gathered there. Instead, I’m cramming them full with courage and strength and a liberal dose of laughter.

In Your Words: What would you wish for today? Happiness? Something else entirely? Join our first conversation of 2014 and tell me what you need most of all.

What is it that you need beyond happiness? Click to Tweet

The 3 things you need more than happiness Click to Tweet