Over at The Prosperous Writer Christina Katz is exploring the qualities of a prosperous writer and this week’s quality is happiness. What makes you happy? For me it can be any number of “good things” in my life. A freshly-brewed cup of coffee enjoyed with a friend, bird songs early in the morning, walks on the beach, time with my family, good music– hundreds of things. But as I thought about happiness I realized that there is a deeper level of contentment that means much more to me. Happiness is on the surface but it originates from inside of me where joy resides. Joy is more important. With joy I have a sense of purpose in life. I know what (Who) is encouraging me and why I’m spending time on writing and other tasks. I have a sense of fulfilling goals set before me and at the same time influencing others for good. I get to participate in the giving and receiving of kindnesses and generosity that make life fulfilling and I can live confidently even if there are some bumps in the road. With joy I may not always feel happy, but I’m satisfied. When hard times come along I’m still joyful because the big underlying truths are firmly in place within. So for me happiness is great, but joy is even better. How about you?
What Makes You Happy?
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What Makes Me Happy? Hot chocolate. Definitely hot chocolate. Sipped slowly. There’s really no need for marshmallows, just hot chocolate. Really good after a long day of hard work. Hot chocolate is especially best right after a long swim, when even on the hottest of days, you come out of the water all pruney, and chilled. There, waiting is your favorite fluffy towel, fresh out of the dryer. You wrap up, and feel all snuggly and secure – it takes me right back to being a kid.
Momma would make hot chocolate for us, and it was oh, so very different in those days. Ice cold, fresh milk, just delivered by the milkman that morning, would go into the saucepan, and Momma would turn on the flame beneath it – “just a medium heat” she would say. We were both anticipating the yummy treat, as she pulled the cardboard canister of Hershey’s Cocoa Powder out of the cupboard, and gave me her ‘momma smile’ – “no need for marshmallows”, she’d comment.
Hot chocolate is different now. Boiled water. Individual packets. But you know, it still stirs something in my soul – that time with Momma. I’ve learned hot chocolate is best when served with friends.
Sounds yummy. My Mom used to warm up blankets for my brother and me just as we got into bed. Good memories.