November

In Pursuit of Happiness

by Lia Halsall

Happiness comes in different forms and not always when you expect it. For example, on the weekend I was sweeping down my dusty driveway and lucky me, it rained! Ever since moving here we’ve had water restrictions so I haven’t been able to get rid of all the dirt and dust that’s accumulated from the property development that’s continually going on around here. So when it started to rain I saw it as the perfect opportunity to use mother nature to help me wash down my driveway. My neighbours driving by on the other hand probably think I’m one step away from a psychiatric facility but little did they know the metaphoric meaning this experience had for me. Now call me crazy but that experience alone was one of the happiest I’ve had in a very long time.

My Mum, come rain hail or shine would do her gardening and mowing and never once let the weather get in her way. We used to call her the crazy lady for doing so but after today I guess you could say like mother like daughter. As soon as it started to rain I just stood there thinking of Mum. I smiled the world’s biggest smile and felt a warm glow in my heart that I hadn’t felt in the longest while. Then it all clicked, and I realised I was just like my Mum. I didn’t care that my neighbours probably thought that I was crazy for sweeping my driveway in the pouring rain because at that very moment I was euphorically happy and that’s all that mattered to me.

To often I’ve said to myself that once I achieve this or once I achieve that that I’ll be happy when in fact it seldom does. Not in the big scheme of things. What makes me happy is paying attention to the little things in life and stopping and savouring them. Just being in a moment for no other reason is what life’s all about. Happiness isn’t something that you find, for me it’s something that happens purely by living my life by my rules and not taking anything for granted. It’s then and only then I find my truest of happiness.

What have you done lately that has made yourself truly happy? ♥

{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Vicki Monday 30 November 09 at 06:08

Great post Lia! It is so true – sometimes happiness can be found in the little things, when you least expect it…who would have thought that something so simple as rain could bring the biggest smile in how long(?) to your face!
x

2 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 06:33: It’s definitely the little things that matter in life Vic. Speaking of which I can’t wait to see you again when you’re down here. xxx

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3 KerryW Monday 30 November 09 at 07:32

Very insightful words Lia. It’s liberating to act intuitively and yes, I agree, it’s when life is at its’ simplest and being able to stop and savour the moment, when we are happiest.

What have I done? Followed my heart, to be the person I truly am. And realising that I’m at my happiest when I’m fit and healthy, striving for a worthwhile goal, being with and enjoying my family, and living life simply and authentically.

4 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 07:34: Life doesn’t have to be complicated, we in fact make it complicated. When we get back to the things that matter most to us it’s where we’ll find our most precious treasures. I’m glad to hear that you’re so happy, it’s a rare find. ) xxx

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5 Kirsty Daniel Monday 30 November 09 at 07:55

Beautiful post Lia… sometime we get so caught up in the actions of everyday life, we forget the things that truely make us happy

6 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 07:57: We most certainly do. Sometimes I get so caught up in my personal grief that I don’t take time out to remember and more importantly feel the good times of my past. It was a very valuable lesson for me to learn and one I intend to remember each and every day. I’m glad you liked the post, my hubby almost teared up when he read it but I won’t say that out loud. xxx

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7 Rae Monday 30 November 09 at 08:18

It’s lovely to read that the memories of your parents are beginning to result in smiles and warmth instead of anguish my friend xxx

8 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 08:22: Yes yes it is, finally they’re starting to come back to me. It’s such a relief too Rae. I was starting to worry that I’d never escape the last couple of years but alas I have, here’s hoping that there’s many more to come. xxx

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9 Hilary Monday 30 November 09 at 08:38

The small things really can make you feel good, if you take the time to stop and think about them. I was only thinking this yesterday when we had a big storm here, and hubby stood out on the patio watching the wind, rain and hail, with an enormous smile on his face.

Great to hear that you are enjoying those moments too, we all should stop and smell the roses as often as possible!

Hilary xx

10 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 08:42: That’s it’s in a nutshell Hilary. We have two magpies that visit our backyard every day, they sit on the fence and talk to one another. Just stopping what I’m doing and taking the time to watch and listen to them is such a simple thing but it helps me appreciate the local birdlife. Life is to short to take anything single thing for granted and I for one want to make the most of mine.

Like your hubby I love a good storm. I find it quite soothing for the soul. xxx

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11 Lynne Monday 30 November 09 at 09:52

Hi Lia,

You truely do have it figured out. It’s these little things that can make us happy every day if we stop to appreciate them. I’m so happy that they also bring back the fond memories of your mum.

The thing that brings a smile to my face is every morning is when I feed the rainbow lorekeetes as soon as my hubby and I get back from the gym. Watching them roll around in the bird bath or having them land on the me to get to the food is just an amazing feeling.

It’s these type of things that always put a smile in my heart.

12 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 09:57: Lynne you’re so right, a shift in perception is all it takes and letting go of the mind. The six weeks I’m taking off starting the end of this week is going to be an absolute blessing in mind, body and soul. It’s probably exactly what I need. xxx

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13 Lorraine Kreuzer Monday 30 November 09 at 20:26

Such a lovely story Lia……bought a smile to my face when I read it this morning. xox

14 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 20:30: Yes well, it’s one of those feel good stories Lorraine. xxx

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15 Lorraine Kreuzer Monday 30 November 09 at 20:33

It was a beautiful story Lia, and may there be many more to tell. xox

16 Lia Halsall Monday 30 November 09 at 20:35: I’m hoping so Lorraine. xxx

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