Can you think of times in your life when you were truly happy? It’s a wonderful feeling. Pharrell Williams describes the feeling as “a room without a roof” in his song “Happy”. The joy of the moment expands so wide and so high it seems like nothing can contain it.
My own perceptions of happiness has changed a lot through the years. As a child, happiness was being able to stay up late to watch a special television show. In high school, it was getting an “A” on a project, and being asked to the prom. As a young mom, happiness was a day that didn’t involve 57 bandaids; but did include cooking a dinner that everyone liked.
There aren’t any proms for Nana’s that I know of, so happiness comes from very different places now-a-days. Its a day without knee pain, time to exercise, or having coffee with a friend. My husband and I recently saw James Taylor in an outdoor venue on a beautiful summer night. That was happiness. Oh, and one more thing. I’m starting to recognize that some of the things I thought made me happy, really don’t.
Let me explain.
I like quiet, I’ve written about that. My husband goes to bed at ten p.m. every night. You can set a watch by it. When he climbs the stairs, the first floor settles into a silence that is intoxicating. I can’t leave it. Before I know it, it’s midnight. I’ve enjoyed my mini-retreat so much that I’ve lost track of time. So…I get to bed very late.
Falling asleep is never a problem for me, even that late at night. It’s the waking up six hours later. Oy. Ask anyone who knows me, I struggle to rise out of that comfy bed even after eight hours of sleep. I have decided that although staying up late makes me happy, the feeling doesn’t last. I’m going to be one cranky customer come the morning.
One more example. If I get frustrated by someone or something, I’m just hard-wired to tell you all about it. The filter in my brain rips, and complaints start flowing like Moses’ water from the rock. Oh, it feels good to let it all out. I’m happy when I can unload it. But what about the people around me? I don’t think I’ve made them very happy.
So now, part of my happiness plan includes tossing out those habits that really don’t end up making me, or the people around me, very happy at all. It’s funny isn’t it? Sometimes the programs that I’ve written for my own joy end up backfiring, and I’m anything but happy. Time to jettison those pesky, unworkable programs.
I guess they really never worked, but at the time, I thought they did. I wonder what else I’ll find, as I start peeking into the corners of my happiness map? One things for sure. If it doesn’t work, it’s got to go.
(I defy you to watch this and not smile!)
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
I love the Happy song, and it does make me happy.
You and I are a lot alike. My hubby also goes to bed at ten, and I love that quiet time. I too, stay up too late and hate getting up in the morning.
Hi Mari! That quiet is just lovely, isn’t it? I’ll have to find a way to enjoy it, while getting to bed at a reasonable hour!
Have a Happy Day!
Ceil
Great post with some food for thought for the coming week! Thanks so much. Hope your week is a happy one!
Hi Deb! Thank you for your encouraging comment. I hope you have a ‘happy’ week too!
Blessings,
Ceil
The grandkids and I play that one in the car, crank it up loud, and sing along! I agree with you, there are some things that make us temporarily happy that don’t really really last…like the Haagen Daz ice cream bar I indulged in yesterday. (Yet the extra pounds make me UNhappy!)
Hi Elizabeth! That’s how that song should be played! It’s so catchy and fun, I just love it.
I know what you mean about the Haagen Daz. Yum! That reminds me, I’ve got to get a better exercise routine. That would make me happy, and then I could afford an ice cream bar now and again
Great example!
Have a Happy Day!
Ceil
We never really know how happy we really are … at the moment. We’re conditioned as humans to always seek something else to make us happier than we are.
A thought-provoking post Ceil. On reflection, Ive decided I’m very happy right now. Thanx for that.
God bless.
Hi Victor! Wise words. I know for a fact that’s true with me. I get used to something, and even if it’s good, I’ll start looking around for something else. Great point.
I’m glad you’re happy, that is a real grace. I hope your day continues to wash you with joy and happiness!
Ceil
Great advice, Ceil! I just love your writing style–you simply and humorously share your own foibles but somehow God uses your words like a mirror, showing me my own wrinkles and blemishes. Thank you, my friend!
Hi Pam! Thank you for your kind words. I certainly have a lot of foibles, that’s for sure. But let’s be kind to ourselves about our wrinkles! We’ll get there
Have a happy day!
Ceil
I’m clapping over here and smiling as I begin my morning. Loved the video. A wonderful idea to ponder the things we believe make us happy but do they really and how does it impact others? Good stuff to ponder. Wishing you a beautiful week, Ceil. xoxo
Hi Beth! I love that video too, it just makes me happy. I’ll clap along too!
But it’s a good think to look at the things that I think serve me well, but really don’t. Sort of like cleaning out the attic!
Have a happy day my friend!
Ceil
One of your best posts! I had an important person in my life ask me one time, “And will that make you happy?” I should have listened better–for clearly it was an indicator they were not happy. I will do a great deal of thinking about happiness today, Ceil—but one thing is for sure—I had much rather have joy.
Blessings, Friend!
Hi Lulu! Thank you, I’m so glad you liked it! Good point about joy. I think if I make good choices on what makes me happy, I’ll get to joy too.
Have a happy/joyful day!
Ceil
Such a good reminder, Ceil. This week, our service was about the power of words. And I think choosing to be happy goes right along with that. It’s amazing how much our outlook affects things. As does Starbucks, if we’re being honest. I swear I’m happier when I’m drinking Starbucks.
Oh, and thanks for kicking off my day with that catchy song!
Hi Crystal! That is an excellent point. Choosing to be happy is so important too. And is Starbucks does that for you, then go for it! And it’s a great place to write too
Have a happy day!
Ceil
What was the question again? (because Happy is stuck in my head and still humming it, lol)–very good post Ceil..being happy is left up to us, and alot of people choose NOT to be happy..ok..back to the self indulgence of the song..(big smiles)–ps you and other bloggers make me smile everyday. Blessings
Hi Linda! It is a catchy song, isn’t it? And I do agree that much of our happiness depends on our choices and our attitude. Good point!
The blog-world is a fun place, isn’t it? Thank you for all your inspiration to me too. It makes me happy
Ceil
ah yes, I’ve got a 10 pm man, too. but what struck me most here in this reading was the phrase ‘a room without a roof.’ For some reason, Ceil, this has really struck me … probably about space and soaring and freedom and joy.
I hope all those things describe your day, friend.
hugs.
Hi Linda! I liked that phrase too. So descriptive of a place where there is no limit to the happiness!
I hope you have a day like that too my friend,
Ceil
Seeing James Taylor would have been happiness for me, too. I’ve listened to his music for years.
You make a good point that we need to periodically stop and think about what is making us happy and what isn’t because sometimes we get in habits that don’t make us happy.
I also love “Happy.” Our worship minister reworked the lyrics and we’ve sung it with the church a few times. Can’t help but smile!
Hi Lisa! What a fun thing for your pastor to do! I bet singing it is such a joyful experience. Nothing like music to lift our souls…James Taylor does that for me with his music.
Hope you have a happy day
Ceil
I, too, love the “Happy” song – it makes me want to move every time I hear it! I also like staying up late and the quiet of the evening. My husband likes the quiet of the morning but I like to get up and get moving to get myself awake. Opposites do attrack in our case : )
Hi Mindy! I’m so glad you can leave a comment! Yay!
I guess opposites attract with my husband and me too. I remember in our early days of marriage, he would come in the bedroom and timidly ask, “Are you ever going to get up?” LOL!
We make it work, don’t we? And then we’re happy
Blessings,
Ceil
I loved your post and agree how hard it is to define happiness when life is constantly changing and we are gradually maturing (sounds better than getting older!)
I don’t think we should be martyrs but I have always said that you can’t have happiness if it is at the expense of someone else. I really have tried to live by that – even if I fail miserably in other aspects of my character! X
Hi Andrina! Thank you for your kind words. I like that phrase ‘gradually maturing’. I hope I can do that well.
And I really agree with your idea that we can’t use others, especially to make us happy. Happiness is a decision and state of mind. I think it springs from being grateful.
Nice to see you!
Ceil
Thanks for this wisdom, Ceil, and the Happy Song with all those various people makes me smile real wide!
Hi Jeanette! I think that video really shows how infectious happiness is! I need to remember how powerful a smile can be.
Nice to see you today
Ceil
Hi Ceil! You got me twisting and rolling here with that song…I love it!! I can listen to it 24/7
You got me reflecting now…I believe there are so many simple things in life, freely given to us by God that we can enjoy if we have the right focus. I must say you got me counting my blessings with this post. Thank you. Have a happy week!
Hi Shade! There are the simple things that I just overlook. My happiness is a decision most of the time.
I’m dancing in my chair too, I just love that song.
Have a happy evening my friend,
Ceil
Your words so remind me of the new header on my blog. Great minds? Or, the Holy Spirit prompting sisters in Christ?
HOPE you have an awesome week.
HI Deb! Let’s go with the Holy Spirit on this one, ok? Let him lead us to the real things that will make us happy!
Thank you for your good wishes. You have a good week too
Ceil
Oh we are SO much alike Ceil!!! James Taylor? SWOON!!!! I bet that night was a dream!!!
I stay up until about 2:00am every night…soaking in the quiet. I am realizing that I need it more and more the older I get. With Derek retiring around midnight, that gives me my two hours of SILENCE. I too, have to get up five FIVE hours later every morning to get Cass to swim team. It kills me. I’ve been exhausted every single day this summer. I could pull off the 8am wake up hour, but the 7am has done me in! But here I am, still pulling off these late nights every single night- at 47 years old- no matter how tired it leaves me. I need it more than sleep, perhaps.
I also have this transparent nature that I always say- God created me with no edit button!! It’s awful at times- hilariously embarrassing at times too. And? The need to honest expression definitely has some negative consequences… Sometimes we really need to use self control. I am still working on that one, but I do think I have improved through a lot of prayer for discernment before I approach someone with my ‘need to express’… on those tough issues.
Now I have that song in my head…
Hi Chris! Oh my gosh, it was so wonderful. I was just telling a few people that I wept through some of the songs. His music is the music of my age, and I just love it.
We are more alike than you know. Both of my children swam competitively, and my son played water polo for three years in high school. And I swam and dove competitively too. Those early mornings are killers! (And so is diving into a freezing pool at 7 am. Kudos to Cass!)
I think that honesty/self control thing is a constant with everyone. I know it is with me. Someday I’ll figure it out…at least I hope so!
Blessings
Ceil
Hi. I visited you today and walked away happy.
You started me thinking about happy. I remember a translation of the Bible takes the word “blessed” in the sermon on the Mount and reworks it to read “Happy” as in “happy are the…” So I looked up some “happy is” quotes and it was an eye opener.
“Happy are those whose self-centered lives have been crushed and reshaped by the Master’s hand to be full of mercy.” (Jahn Hagee)
“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” (unknown)
“Happy are those who get to talk. Happier are those who get listened to. (Bernie DeKoven)
My all time favorite: “Happiness is tossing out those habits that really don’t end up making me, or the people around me, very happy at all” (Ceil)
You did good girl, you did good. Thanks for the cheer this morning. Have a blessed day ~ Chris
Hi Chris! I am so impressed by all the work you did to get those quotes, and thank you for sharing them. Being truly blessed/happy is the service of others, I think that really is true.
I appreciate your kind words, thank you! And I hope you have a happy day today
Ceil
I have seen and heard that song many times and indeed it does make me feel happy.
Great post, Ceil , very insightful .
Some of my happiest moments are just sitting in the quiet of the moment and reflecting on my many blessings.
Wishing you a most happy day
Hi Margie! I bet the grandchildren like it too.
And there’s nothing like reflecting on God’s great mercy and kindness to us. That’ll put a smile on my face every time.
Happiness to you today my friend,
Ceil
My newest favorite song, I play it everyday! I am on a journey right now trying to find where my happiness is, where it should be and what I can do to achieve it.
Hi Debby! Oh that’s so funny! I play it a good bit too. The song is so simple, but it never fails to lift my spirits.
What a wonderful journey you are on! I really admire you, and I hope it is very fruitful for you. May God give you the grace to recognize what to do, and the power to do it.
Happy Wednesday
Ceil
Oh HI Ceil..
thanks on my garden goodies first
then I agree with your message
if something doesn’t make you happy toss…
if at all possible
BUT some times things really have to stay the way they are ..like people you are related too ..family..etc.. you have to be near them– no options LOL
but clubs and hobbies can be tossed (:) like weeds in the garden (:)
Have a good one hugs,Patty
Hi Patty! I just loved your potting table, it was so rustic-chic!
You’re right. Sometimes we don’t have much control over things that don’t give happiness. I know that for a fact. That’s for another blog post I think… It would make a really good topic.
I like your image of tossing the bad out like weeds. It’s a great image in my mind. And really describes what I have to do with those habits that are not helping me.
So happy to see you again!! Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
Ceil,
You’re so right….what makes us happy does change over the years….and maturity comes as we think of other people’s happiness as you pointed out in your post ….Thank you…praying you have a week full of happiness and joy
Hi Dolly! Thank you for your prayers, I really appreciate them. It’s been a little hectic over here…I need them!
I can only rely on God to give me the grace to chuck all the stuff in my life that is not serving me anymore (if it ever did!). Turning to helping others and clearing out my house is a ‘must’, but I think it will be a step by step thing.
Blessings to you my friend, I pray you will have a happy evening, and restful night,
Ceil
Remember the “Peanuts” comic strip? Well, at this moment, happiness is a warm puppy – literally! I am curled up on a couch next to my son’s beagle, and I am enjoying a pleasant visit to Blog Land.
Happy has been hard to find lately. Life has brought many stressors, many problems, many anxieties and worries. But, as I move through this year, the year of JOY for me (“God, are you SURE You got that right?!) – ahem. As I move through this year, I am learning how much joy really is all about knowing these three things:
God loves me.
God is good.
God has a purpose for everything.
Knowing and resting in that knowledge is sometimes a struggle. But, happiness is having a relationship with the Living God. Even first thing in the morning…! (I’m a night owl, too!)
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! I think joy is a more lasting, grace-driven gift. I have found that happiness leads me to see all the joy in my life though. And happiness is a gift too, just a more transient one.
I like your list. God does have a purpose for you! We just had a sermon on that very topic today. We all have been created for a reason, and it really boils down to inspiring others and passing along our faith and joy in Christ. Sounds a lot like what you do on your blog, doesn’t it? Nice job!
Hope you have a happy and peaceful evening Sharon,
Ceil
So true. As we age, the things that used to make us happy often only make us tired and edgy.
I used to could spend a full day gardening. Now, if I do that my body pays a steep price and I’m down for a few days following. I’m learning to do what I can, and only as long as it feels right. If I have to finish it a day or two later, so be it.
Hi Dayle! That’s a perfect example of what I was trying to say. Some things that worked before, just don’t now. Good for you for facing it and not pushing yourself, just to get wiped out.
Have a happy evening!
Ceil
This post was so much fun because your words sounded a lot like me. Happy does change over the years but I still find happy as a middle aged person. You are right, it looks different but knowing that God is the center of it is so worth it. As a little side note – the song “Happy” makes me happy and I danced down the hallways at school on the last day before summer break.
Hi Mary! There is actually a youtube video of students and teachers singing along with the song. It’s cute! You should check it out.
You make a good point. God needs to be in the center of everything. As long as he is there with us, we can be happy knowing he will direct and grace us. Thank you!
Hope you are enjoying your summer break!
Ceil
Wonderful post Ceil.
One thing I’ve found is happiness is short-lived but contentment sustains. We all love and long for happiness but often it’s so intoxicating it can’t stay too long (nor do I think we could handle it if it could)! However, contentment stays for a long time. I don’t mean begrudging contentment but heart-felt, only God can give it, peaceful contentment. Ahhh, the thought of it makes me happy.
Blessings to you my friend.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! You make a great point. If we are too much in the flesh, we can get addicted to the feeling of happiness and not see it as a gateway to joy or contentment. Like any feeling, it’s not an end in itself, but a way to point to God, who created all of our feelings.
Blessings to you too! See you after my blog-break,
Ceil
This is a great food for thought post, ceil. I never thought of happiness this way. I will have to pay more attention to the things that’s getting in the way of my happiness. xx
Hi Yuko! Thank you for your kind comment. I find as I get older, there are things that I thought made me happy, but really in the end, didn’t. Maybe I knew it before, but ignored it too!
It’s best to toss out what doesn’t work, I know that. And I’m working on it day by day.
Have a good week! Nice to see you here
Ceil