Moments of happiness

Eating fresh wild strawberries from a straw of grass is not happiness. It takes more to feel happiness within. Personally I think happiness is being completely present here and now, thinking peacefully of the past and confidently of what comes next. The future, so unknown and mysterious, is for noone to know, but the heart can feel providence. 

Happiness is sitting at my local Italian café, with my Powerbook and a cup of coffee. Exchanging glances with my dear friend working there. Writing a book about my grandfather´s life and adventures. Feeling existence might be a hilly landscape, where I roam, either alone or with people accompanying me. In happiness, in despair; in sunshine and in rain. 

Happiness is waking up, welcoming a new day. Being in the midst of life, feeling every breath filling the body, being calm and present. Happiness is falling asleep, pleased with yet another day. Happiness is working with something inspiring or just being. Happiness is sharing moments with loved ones. 

It is easy to get frustrated In a superfluent world where people run from shop to shop trying to buy happiness, while your fifty TV channels buzz at home. To feel that life passes, oh so quickly. It is your responsibility to seize the day. No one but you can provide the map and compass. The thread of life can be cut off when you least expect it, then your time is over. Then you can remember the moments of happiness, the moments when everything was right and you were happy. 


Maria H, writer and journalist.