Not 100 Chapters

Remember the book "Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson?  It was published about 15 years ago and has 100 chapters (really short) with little pieces of advice for what I think the author intended to be the secrets to true happiness and peaceful living. 

In that same spirit (but in much fewer chapters), I have stumbled across my own experiences of true happiness and peaceful living. Here they are: Green lights through five intersections in a row when I’m running late to work. Finding out my laptop warranty is actually going to cover a brand new laptop. Finding out the brand new laptop has a much better processor, much bigger hard-drive, a cool design on the top, and it’s in stock. Shoes that fit, are comfortable and don’t make my feet look big. Actually having the right coupon for the right item, and it’s not expired. Organizing a “cousins brunch” for five cousins, and the first date suggested works for everybody. Thirsty for water while writing this blog and having a cold glass of water delivered to me without asking. Being married to a loving, thoughtful husband who delivers cold water to me. Thanking my brother-in-law for his military service. Looking at Facebook pictures of high school students cheering and supporting their teams at the . Shaking hands with and congratulating the senior boy who earned the on the ACT exam. Talking with a teacher about the best way to help a struggling student. Hearing that 12 senior high students have volunteered to regularly shovel snow this winter for the neighbors who need help. Deciding that looking at the world through the eyes of hope, love and humility provides a much better view. Knowing that true happiness comes from recognizing and celebrating the everyday experiences of life and living. 

Doesn’t get much better than that.