Savor The Experiences

"The secret of life, a growing number of researchers are telling us, isn't in the symbols of success, but in participation in experiences that stir you. That's where you have the best chance to increase your happiness." -- Joe Robinson, Don't Miss Your Life: Find More Joy & Fulfillment Now

Happiness Photo Experiment, Day 5

Some days, happiness comes in abundance. Today was one of those days for me. Saturday, in and of itself, has an advantage over the rest of the week as there is usually little to do beyond relaxation, minor household chores and errands. Fewer deadlines. Fewer 'must do's' and 'gotta go's.' Alarm clocks are silenced in favor of sleeping in until your body tells you it is time to wake up. There is a slower rhythm, a pace marked by cups of coffee, fresh laundry, walks with the puppy. The day moves more slowly. Ah, Saturday . . .

A pedicure can be a perfect equalizer to the general chaos of life. While some may find the ritual of foot scrubbing, callous scraping and toenail painting to be a frivolous waste of money or an unnecessary luxury, I consider it therapeutic. It's an experience to savor. A treat. Happiness rating = 5!




I have to admit, through my experiment thus far, the term 'happiness' hasn't quite settled in with me. It feels to be a bit of a misnomer. When I find the reduction in worry, stress, negativity and pain to be greatest, words like content, comfortable, balanced, satisfied and joyful seem, somehow, more appropriate. Happy remains a lofty or too fleeting state of being. It is something strived for, but rarely attained. Now, comfort and contentment . . . these can linger and cling. Maybe happiness is a myth and by ceasing to believe, we liberate ourselves to stop constantly trying to find it and we just enjoy the experiences of where we are and what we have.