"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have." - Karen S.Magee
It goes without saying that our family and friends are dearest to us. We are happiest in the presence of our loved ones. But as this COVID-19 year (thankfully) careens down to its end, there are a lot more things, both big and small that fill our hearts and keep us sane. I started to keep a gratitude journal to reduce my stress, to fight off depression. I felt that maintaining the right emotional balance and seeking my joy-triggers would lower my cortisol hormones. I count myself blessed because I find happiness in the simple things, no need for grandiose and material possessions to keep me happy.
December 19, 2020
HAPPINESS is basking in spiritual blessings during our Year-end Thanksgiving worship service. The Church of Christ Year-end Thanksgiving service is on Webex. We have been doing virtual worship services for several months now. But despite the circumstances, challenges, and adversities, it is gratifying to see that the work of the church forges on. I am thankful no matter what. Happiness is knowing that I do not walk alone and that God is always with me.
December 17
HAPPINESS is getting my COVID-19 vaccine today. Finally, the Pfizer vaccine is here. I have been waiting for this. Now that we’re on the Second Wave of this horrific pandemic, I am confident that we have what it takes to fight back with a vengeance. I am joyful that this is the beginning of the end of this disease that has gripped us in a chokehold for so many months. The healthcare workers went through a heart-wrenching period, of personal losses, profound sadness, fears, and anxieties that continue to haunt us to this day. But now there is hope. I must confess that I was teary-eyed because I could see the light at the end of the long tunnel. The vaccine is a game-changer. This will allow all of mankind to get back to the new normal. Thank you to the scientists and the volunteer research subjects; they are heroes themselves. When I told my son that I was vaccinated, he echoed the same sentiment, RELIEF. He was relieved for me.
Happiness is hoping that maybe, a few months later, I will be able to travel and hug my mom again. #Let'sBeatCOVID19 #Havefaithinthescience
December 16
HAPPINESS is that first snowfall day of the year. There is something magical, and cleansing with the fresh-fallen snow. In this Covid year, I can almost fantasize that the snowflakes will neutralize the evil of this coronavirus. The world was blanketed in pristine white, the howling winds had died down, and the world was quiet and serene. There is a sense of wonderment at the beautiful picture that one can forget that the next day will yield to slush and ice. That first snowfall day is for young ones and the young-at-heart (like me).
I always remember my first snow ever on Roosevelt Island in my first year in the United States. As I waited at the bus stop, my heart fluttered in excitement as the white fluffy crystals came down from the sky. I raised my face up to the heavens up above, uttered a simple "Thank you" to God, opened my mouth, and caught the snowflakes on my tongue.
Happiness is plopping down on the virgin snow and doing snow angels, even as your dog wonders if you lost your mind. This picture was with our dear departed Brownie. I need to get one picture with Boomer.
November 15
HAPPINESS is... finally getting my Fall photo shoot in Astoria Park. I did not get the full vibrant foliage that I was hoping for, but at least the red, orange, and yellow leaves are on the ground, with the trees barely and defiantly holding on to their leaves despite the winds.
Fall is absolutely my favorite season. The Autumn colors and the crisp air bring a sense of calm and relaxation, even a sprinkle of magic with the change of seasons. I love how the chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins reveal the true colors of the leaves. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, the bright hues just fill me with such joy that one can (almost) forget the bad things that happened in 2020. I love the sweater weather, partly because it covers the body's imperfections.
My fascination with autumn started many years ago as a young nurse at Coler Hospital in Roosevelt Island, I used to marvel at the glorious beauty around me, even as I skipped merrily on the ground covered with carpets of leaves. The Fall foliage reigned supreme with its riot of color that framed the hospital building like a Monet. Nature in majestic splendor. Albert Camus said, "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower". Because I lost out on a colorful photoshoot, I resolve to do better next year, and plan my autumn vacation in Vermont or anywhere before winter claims the colors away.
Oct. 25
HAPPINESS is the unexpected but joyful discovery of a Barnes and Noble Store across my doctor's office yesterday. I could not pass by a bookstore without going in to smell the books. I am a self-confessed Bibliophile. I adore the written words that make me feel and imagine. I would happily spend all my time reading. I was like a kid in a candy store. The dilemma is: what would I start reading first?
September 2
HAPPINESS is indulging in exquisitely presented and overwhelmingly delicious food that I do not have to cook myself. Outdoor dining is actually cool and convenient. I am hopeless in the kitchen, but I have a healthy appreciation for all kinds of cuisine, as long as I don't have to chop, mince, and stir over the hot stove. Foodgasm. Disclaimer: I did not finish my portions in one sitting; I always have leftovers. Promise.
July 25
HAPPINESS is those simple joys that come cheap. Who says you cannot enjoy the flowers from somebody's garden? We were considering dining out but the air was hot and muggy on one July afternoon. We opted for enjoying Crepe with Nutella, strawberry, and banana in air-conditioned comfort in my Honda Pilot with my son and sister as we people-watched in Astoria.
One more thing to read: Happiness Project
Gretchen Rubin is a writer who relentlessly explores human nature to understand how we can make our lives better. She states, "I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for becoming happier, healthier, more productive, or more creative; when we know ourselves and what works for us, we can change our habits and our lives. Through my bestselling books (The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, Better Than Before, The Four Tendencies, Outer Order, Inner Calm), my award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, my video courses, and my app Better, I share insights, strategies, stories, and tips that help people understand themselves and create a happier life."
