Start stashing those smiles

There were seven of them on the stage that Friday night at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. All seven of them were extremely talented, dedicated, and successful. For three hours, they worked with different types of instruments, some even played more than one. For three hours, they held us completely captive. And, for all those three hours, they were smiling! Those smiles were not the kind that typically follow 'say cheese!'. They were natural, deep, and the kind that could only come from an amazing sense of satisfaction. Their smiles were the direct result of doing something that they truly loved. I was very envious. I wanted that smile! Throughout the concert, I kept wondering what I could do to get me that smile- music classes? dance lessons? cooking? part time graduate program in astrophysics? I was determined to figure out my path to that kind of happiness. Then I realized the ridiculousness of my mental search- there I was sitting at the concert, enjoying the experience of my lifetime with the masters of percussion, and all I can think about was what I can do to be happy?! I was already there! I was surrounded by nothing but pure joy- the joy of surrendering to the magic of music! 

So I made a resolution to stop searching and start stashing. Live in the present, experience the simple pleasures of life. Make a daily happy list of all things that bring me a smile. I have a feeling I will have long lists to type up every night. This thought, right here, just made me happy. :)

Happy Wednesday!