HAPPINESS IS… BTS, Lavender, Ube, Children Dancing, Rainbows

Last week, I was stuck behind a school bus when I saw some kids playing in their front yard blowing soap bubbles. The joy on the kids’ faces was contagious. Four kids (three girls and a boy), about six years old, were running around to chase the soap bubbles being blown by an adult. The children laughed as they reached out into the air and tried to pop the bubbles. Their excited screams were music to my ears. Their innocence and simple joys lifted my heart. 

 Indeed, random moments of happiness occur when least expected.

  BTS 

 Happiness is…watching a BTS video. I am just a recent fangirl to BTS. Just a month ago, a video appeared on my Facebook feed. Epiphany was sung by BTS member Jin or Kim Seok-Jin. “I’m the one I should love”. That line could not have come at a better time.  The song was poignant and emotional and emphasized a fundamental truth: Love yourself. I have always maintained a strong façade amid all the problems in life, always putting others first. But as the song says, self-love has to come first. It has to. 

  Epiphany- Jin

Over the years, I have heard of BTS but never watched their videos until I watched Epiphany, and suddenly, I was hooked. Down the rabbit hole, I tumbled down. BTS is a 7-member supergroup from South Korea; they are a worldwide phenomenon. The group broke all kinds of music records, conquered the cultural divide, sold out arenas and stadiums. Tickets in Citifield sold out in 10 minutes. 

 Their lyrics are introspective and do not shy away from talks about maintaining mental health and promoting peace, empowerment, and self-love. Their music transcended languages and cultures and its Army of fans include all ages, races, and genders. BTS is beyond K-pop; it is its own genre. It was BTS that made me overcome my aversion to rap music, lol. 

 BTS is shattering glass ceilings and is forcing the Western world to understand their Asian neighbors. Non-Koreans are singing the Korean lyrics. Hopefully, this will pave the way for more global appreciation of all kinds of music, maybe even Pinoy music. Hopefully, this will open goodwill among all races. With their songs, they are a beacon against prejudice and for inclusivity and diversity.  It is my fervent prayer that we can shine the spotlight on anti-racism and anti-Asian hate. 

 'Butter' Official MV

LAVENDER 

 Happiness is... celebrating nature's beauty amid fields of lavender blooms, with the clear, blue sky up above, and the aromatic breeze calming heart and soul. The fragrance fills the air and cleanses my spirit. No wonder, these multi-purpose perennial lavender plants are widely used for aromatherapy. Doing my Ujjayi breathing.

Day trip to Lavender by the Bay in Calverton, New York.

 

UBE ICE CREAM 

 Happiness is… indulging in Ube Ice Cream in pandesal. Ube or purple yam is typically found in the Philippines. It can be prepared as ice cream, cake, bread (pandesal), flan, pudding, and mostly as topping on the delicious halo-halo. 

Ube is the new Matcha, a new obsession in food culture due to its vibrant color that is especially eye-catching on Instagram and other forms of social media. Filipino chefs here in the US are experimenting with ube in waffles, pancakes, and sugar pies. One consolation, Ube is known to have extra-high levels of antioxidants.

CHILDREN/TEENS DANCING

 Happiness is... watching kids and teenagers having fun. Innocence overload. 

Masaka kids Africana- Dancing to “Jerusalema”

In 2019, the South African song called Jerusalema became a summer anthem and a global hit and inspired online dance challenges all over the world. The upbeat disco-house track was composed by DJ Kgaogelo Moagi and sung by singer Nomcebo. It didn’t matter that the lyrics were in a little-known Zulu dialect. When the music moves you, you dance.

Ranz and Niana Featuring Natalia- Dancing to BTS – “Dynamite”

Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero are siblings in a blended family from the Philippines who rose to fame on YouTube with their dance videos and prank vlogs. But my heart melted when their youngest sister Natalia joined their dance. That little girl can dance way, way better than me. What a sweetheart!

UNICEF photo

RAINBOWS 

 Happiness is… seeing rainbows after the rain.

I wrote this in 2013- 

Driving home from Brooklyn on the Belt Parkway, I was thankful that I witnessed the magical display of Mother Nature. The bright colors of the rainbow triumphed in stark contrast against the backdrop of gray, angry clouds; its full arc high up in the dark sky. 

 The setting sun's fierce rays behind me turned the drizzling rain into silver on my windshield and transformed the waters of the Narrows Strait shimmering like gold. There was a calmness in the air as if everyone was held spellbound by this beautiful thing in the sky. 

 And as I was coasting along the Belt, right where the "Fuhgeddaboudit" sign clued me that I was leaving Brooklyn for Queens, the majestic rainbow loomed right in the middle of the road, beyond the horizon. The colors were so distinct and the rainbow so amazingly near that it took my breath away. The cars slowed down and I could almost hear the collective "ahhs". 

 I vaguely remember the scientific explanation about the rain as the prism that creates the spectrum of colors. How the lights are refracted when the sunlight hits the raindrop at an angle. ROYGBIV. In grade school, I hardly paid attention to the science behind this phenomenon. 

 As a child, I was more interested in the story of the pot of gold over the rainbow "where troubles melt like lemon drops and happy little bluebirds fly". It was our magical "bahaghari" from those innocent times when skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true, just over the rainbow. 

 And if you just look closely, there's a second rainbow! With blue on the outside and red moved to the inside. Double reflections, double pots of gold. 

 A Special Performance of "Rainbow Connection" from Kermit the Frog | The Muppets

Michael Pangilinan performs "Rainbow" (South Border) LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus

Happiness is...

 

"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."