I've been struggling to write much of anything lately. And not for lack of trying; on the contrary, I have attempted to put words on paper countless times with no results. It was frustrating, to say the least. I love to write, and the fact that I couldn't was troubling me.
But today, as I was driving home from a weekend in Dayton, I realized that I tend to write only about the dramatic, depressing, or earth-changing events of my life. And there are so many little, minuscule moments in my day that are worth writing about, if you look at them the right way. The image that first popped into my mind was a camera. (Big surprise, I take WAY too many pictures.)
Think of it this way: What if every morning, we were given a brand-new Polaroid camera and an unlimited supply of film? The main purpose of this camera was to take snapshots of the moments that bring us joy, or laughter, or contentment, or...
Happiness. (For those of you who know me, you know this is a well-loved word in my vocabulary. It's very near and dear to my heart.)
So at the risk of abusing this lovely word's significance, here is a simple list of moments-or, in my mind, an album of snapshots--when happiness was clearly visible to me this weekend.
***
Happiness Is:
A professor's office that feels like home.
Swapping stories around the dinner table.
A second family to love when your real family is too far away.
A professor who walks in, says "Hey. Wanna see my scar?" and reminds you to treat every moment as precious.
The dearest and best of friends who walk down an icy, snowy hill because they miss you.
Putting your head on a shoulder, feeling an arm around you and hearing "You're here. All is now right with the world."
Uncontrollable laughter.
A snowy morning that forces you to stay inside and relish the people you're with.
A scary venture to your car in the ice while your roommate's family cheers you on from the window.
A game of Dutch Blitz that serves as much needed proof that some friendships will never completely fade, even if much time passes in between the days spent together.
Sitting in the audience of a play and reconnecting with old theatre friends...and realizing you're not the only one who misses it everyday.
Crying as you watch your onstage soulmate say his very last line on a Bryan College stage and being overwhelmed with pride at being his best friend.
Walking into a dorm room and immediately bursting into laughter because you're with the 3 people who can make you laugh like no one else can.
Hearing someone say "You being here makes my heart happy." And knowing they mean it.
Sitting in a practice room and playing a piano piece that was written just for you.
Knowing that even though goodbyes are never easy, it makes the next 'hello' all the sweeter.
***
As I am writing this list, I am humbled. Yes, life is full of struggle. It is wracked with pain and uncertainty. Everyday holds unknown battles and unimagined defeat.
But life also holds immeasurable happiness. It surrounds me with sunlight, and showers me with countless momentos of joy. All I have to do is capture them.
So. Now I challenge you:
How many snapshots of happiness will you have at the end of the day?
