Why am I so happy?

2023 Update: I wrote this post back in 2022 when I was tip-toeing into the idea of writing. I hope you enjoy!

Happy. Such a basic word and we use it every day. We all want it. But, how do we get it and keep it? I turned fifty this year and have been reflecting a lot on this subject, obsessively. I have recently realized just how happy I am. Here are some reasons why.

• My daughter was in a terrible car accident and almost died last year. Her recovery continues. Then, my step-son was hit by a car. Seriously.
• My husband and I both have big full time jobs that take up most of our time. We work from home. We have four kids. You get the point.
• My son (and sometimes daughter when willing) fly a thousand miles for time with their Dad (my ex-husband).
• Staying in shape is suddenly much harder than it used to be. Not fair.
• My house is often messy and our children will not do chores. Laundry is for losers.
• Teen hormones create emotional hurricanes every other day. Lock the door and hide.

The list goes on and you get the idea. Those things should make my life difficult. Unhappy, right? No. These are the elements in our lives that teach us the greatest lessons. Wisdom is one of the roots of happiness.

When we break it down, we are beyond grateful (another word that has new meaning to me) that my daughter survived that accident. Our jobs bring income that help us enjoy life and raise four children. My children have learned independence and resilience by traveling and overcoming divorce. I eat healthier and exercise more because I deeply want an amazing body, which in turn sets the foundation for longevity and the ability to enjoy a longer life of said happiness. Accepting that we have a busy house full of busy people reminds me of my own childhood with four children, which was a happy time. Watching our children successfully navigate through the tween and teen years is a rite of passage that makes me feel accomplished as a parent.

So, not despite these things, but because of these things, I am happier than I ever have been. This is my happy life now and now is always in the present.

Also, because my husband is amazing and my kids are actually really cool…and we have two dogs and pets make us happier too, right?