happy, happy, happy

The greatest gift that you could ever give to another is your own happiness.

-Abraham: "Ask and it is Given"

when asked what they want in life, most people will tell you that they just want to be happy. the problem lies in the criteria. i will be happy when....if only we realized that happiness is simply a conscious choice. it is not set aside for the rich, or the beautiful, or the fulfilled - it is plain and simply an emotion that anyone can access at anytime regardless of circumstances. this statement will pose some opposition. people say - how can i be happy when...i am broke, i am sick, i lost a loved one - life offers up all these challenges. happiness eludes those who don't seek it out. i will be the first to admit that for a very long time i was not a "seeker of happiness". drama seemed to bring me more attention. as the months have passed, i have done some soul searching and in that search my most treasured find is my happiness. my mornings start with a thought of gratitude and in those thoughts my heart is happy. nobody can take that away. it is mine for the taking and i intend to take it in huge quantities. when mama's happy the whole magnuson clan seems to be happy. it is a strange phenomenon, but i am not going to question it...happiness...who knew it was that simple!