Stalking--and finding--happy

I'm getting ready to post this, and I will admit the subject matter--state of mind--is something I talk about too often. I will also admit talking about it helps me maintain emotional equilibrium. I'm sorry if I'm making anyone roll their eyes, sigh, or mutter "Get over it." For everyone else, thanks for coming by. Tell me about your day!

We are in my season of discontent. Even when bad things don't happen or life doesn't throw unexpected curves, I don't like this time of year. I can find things to like, of course. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular right now. We had a glorious week of springtime in February. Today (Sunday) is my daughter-in-law Laura's birthday and she is such a gift in our lives. I gave up anger for Lent and I have to say, five days in, that it's working pretty well. Not that anger doesn't rear its ugly head, but unless it has a constructive purpose--which it usually does not--I'm not giving it any heartroom. I count my blessings every day. Every single day. I should add that this takes some time because I have a lot of them. You probably do, too. Go ahead and count--I'll wait. I stalk happiness and most of the time, it gives in and stays with me. Most of the time.

But sometimes. Some-damn-times...

So here I go, on this day that I'm feeling that discontent I mentioned up there. That I'm on the lonely side. Feeling unappreciated and unloved and...anybody got any boots for me to wear as I walk through this poor-me puddle? Here I go with some of my blessings. Share yours, too, in the comments--I'm so glad you have them!

  • Family. I have the best one ever.
  • Long marriage to my best friend. As anyone who's married knows, it's a double-edged sword--the idea's to love the one you're with and dance with the one that brought you. (I'm pretty sure I just wrote a song there--or plagiarized one. Maybe a couple of them.) If it gets really hard or you think you can't do it but you really want to, just start over. I think most of us do that a lot.
  • Having to do with the aforementioned marriage, we say "I love you" every day. And mean it. Even on those days when we have to start over.
  • I get to write books. I'll say that again. I get to write books! And sometimes people read them! 
  • Most of the time, I feel good
  • I have friends--hello, Wranglers! Some of them I've had since childhood, some from later on, and I'm grateful for all of them.
  • In retirement from a full-time job I liked, I got a part-time job I like. Just because.
  • And so forth...

I still don't like this time of year. How I feel today is still iffy, although I just  talked to a one of the kids and that makes every day better. But even if you're there with me in the poor-me pool of discontent, you can find happy. You just have to keep looking. Or stalking. It's out there. Waiting.

Now that I've wallowed--thanks for listening--I need to go write. Did I mention that I get to write books?

Have a great week.

Liz

Comments

  1. Great list Liz! And it is similar to mine: hubby, kiddos, a good job, my health, my friends, and my writing. :-)

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  2. I'm holding a good thought for you that you and anger will become best of enemies after this Lenten season--anger is appropriate sometimes, but happy is better most of the time. Your list makes me very happy for you. Mine looks a lot like it... ;-)

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  3. Mine is very much like your ... and I'll add good books to it. Because a good book never fails to transport me out of the doldrums of winter and into the brilliant sunshine of fiction.

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    1. Absolutely! And I didn't mention it in my post, but Kathleen Gilles Seidel, subject of my over-the-top admiration forever, is writing three new books for Kensington to be released in 2018. A blessing extraordinaire!

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  4. Liz, it is always amazing to me that the more you find to be grateful for the more things you find to be grateful for. (Sorry Nan, I know that is a horrible sentence). Gratitude seems to build on itself and just multiply in your life. It is so wonderful to have a full life and to recognize it! Good for you!

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    1. That's true, isn't it? It grows. Thanks, Carolyn--I'm always so glad to see you!

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  5. Funny you should have a season of discontent at the same time I do. I actually wrote a blog yesterday talking about how crappy March is making me feel. You'll see it on Saturday. So know you're not alone.

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    1. The cool thing that I should admit is that Nan gave me the idea by having a winter of content. I wish mine was--and yours. Sigh.

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  6. Every year in February I too get into a funk. I want warm weather, more sunshine, I'm ready to stop hibernating. I too remind myself of all the good things in my life. My hubby, kids and grandkids. Now that I am retired I'm finding more time to write and read along with planning the garden. So good to stay connected with you each week.

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    1. Even though we know it's coming, it's still hard, isn't it? I'm so glad you stop by, Patrice!

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  7. I was taught (as a "young lady") not to have bad-mood days. We were supposed to be always cheerful. So...it seems very nice to me to be a big step forward to be able to acknowledge the tough ones. And yes gratitude is a great antidote. Also fresh air and exercise. And chocolate. Judy Gabriel writing as Judy Meadows

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    1. Oh, my gosh! I did grow up believing my moods didn't matter and were, frankly, childish, but I hadn't even thought of that in years. I think you're right, though, that acknowledgement is a step forward. Thank you!

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