“Happiness is not at the top of the mountain, but in how to climb.” Confucius

Last Sunday I went into Philly to meet some friends. They weren’t just any friends, they were the girls I grew up with from my home town of Stratford, New Jersey and I haven’t seen most of them in about 40 years! To say I was excited was a gross understatement. 

We met at 11 am for brunch and begrudgingly parted ways after 3 pm. We feverishly went around the table trying catch up on 40 years of life that had passed in the blink of an eye. We heard joy-filled stories of weddings, babies, and life. We also heard sad stories of health issues, the loss of parents, and more life. Our 4 hours together ran the gamut of emotions, as we tried to understand 40 years in fast-forward. We left Philly with our hearts filled with joy and happiness, promising to get together again very soon.

Life, much like death and taxes, comes with a guarantee: there will absolutely be lots of ups and downs. Happiness is not at the top of the mountain, it’s right now. Watching my friends recount 40 years in 4 hours confirms that fact. Be happy now. Choose joy now. And don’t say, “Yes, but…” Are you breathing? Yes? Then choose to be happy. Go do something kind for someone else. And call your friends from grade school. Life is what you make it. Make it great!

With Gratitude,
Beth