Tag: writing exercise

Happiness Is Like a Butterfly

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. Author unknown, printed in “The Literary American,” 1848. (Credit- Quote Investigator)

brown butterfly perched on pink flower
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I have difficulty finding a favorite quote to share because I have many.  I store bits wisdom from a variety of people and sources.  First and foremost I often quote my parents and grandparents, especially to my younger generation. Its the Wisdom of the Elders.

Through the years I’ve memorized quotes from the Bible and preachers; from educators and authors – even quotes from “the mouth of babes.”  As we know kids say the truth no one else dares to. 

These quotes and special thoughts are put away in seemingly random places in my mind, but they are usually available when I need them. I often sprinkle them among the sentences in my writings to endorse a point or a statement of my own.  The particular quote above, I got from my daughter many years ago, as she explained the tattoo on playing peek-a-boo on her hip, but that’s a story for another day.

The quest for happiness seems an obsession of the human race since the beginning of time.  People don’t realize that happiness is not something that can be measured by the pound or the yard and you can’t keep it in your pocket or on a shelf.  It means different things to different people.  Happiness is more of a state of being. I have seen people strive for one thing or another, thinking that it would lead to happiness only to be sorely disappointed. “I thought, once I didn’t have to worry about money … or when I lose weight… or once I was married or finished my education…”  It’s sad that along the way they rushed by and possibly missed those moments that would have made them happy.  

All those aspirations and dreams are worth the effort, but we must remember to keep our eyes, ears and above all our hearts opened to the showers of blessings that fall upon us when we least expect it.  An old friend left me with a thought that I always remember, a simple truth, a quote I’ve used often – a lesson learned.  “Enjoy each great moment as it comes, you don’t know when the opportunity will come again.” 

I leave you with this, when you think happiness is out of reach, sit for a moment in the quietness of gratitude and fill your heart with the sweet moments you have lived.  A smile from a stranger, a hug from a friend, the wonders around you like a butterfly on your shoulder; those memories will sustain you to continue your journey until you reach your destination because they help you remember there is good in the world. 

Day Five: Hook ’Em With a Quote’    #everydayinspiration

Blog-Our-notions-about-happiness-entrap-us...

Grand Central Station

Blog Grand Central Station

 

I can’t remember the last time I was at Grand Central Station.  If I had to guess, it was probably on my way home for the weekend in my freshman year in college.   I grew up in New York City – the borough of Brooklyn to be exact.  As a teenager and young adult, I rode the subways at all hours of the day.  I was never afraid – I guess that’s the gift of the foolishness of youth.  I remember the splendor of this transit station; the bright lights, the Tiffany clock, the marble that withstands time. blog sardines in a can from monicore at Pixabay I remember crowds on the trains and the streets in the City, but I don’t recall it like a sardine can of people but I saw it the last time I was there.  I certainly have no memory of armed National Guardsmen at all large transit stations.   It’s like another world, another lifetime. 

I can see myself standing against the wall waiting for my train and watching all the people.  Everything around me is a blur of people walking quickly by – just as the photographer caught it.  There is a pulse to this place, a strong almost frantic rapid pulse. The noise level makes me crave at least five minutes at the shore early in the morning; just by looking at the picture my soul longs to synchronize with the rhythm of the waves rolling in an out on the beach. 

Who are these people?  Where are they going in such a rush? What or who is waiting for them?   Was that me of another era?  I remember someone complaining once that I walked too fast.  My response?  “I’m a New Yorkah, whadda you want?”  That was years ago.  Now I pick up the pace just only when I want to get my heart rate up.    

What about the National Guardsmen? They are looking at these people too with different questions; with sharper eyes.  Their presence everywhere reminds us of unknown dangers that have become part of our lives.  Do they have mixed feelings because they crave some action in their otherwise boring day?  I am reminded of the most recent school shooting.  Are more armed officers at the school honestly the answer?  Public schools are cutting down on personnel such as nurses, counselors, and teachers of the arts.  They are spread thin throughout their counties in all parts of the country.  Resources, in general, are scarce in our public schools, and yet the only answer is to arm more people in the school.

And then in the blink of an eye, I’m back at my desk, pounding on my keyboard, in the quiet space I’ve carved for myself.   Like the song from Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, “Then I’m glad to be back in my own little corner; All alone in my own little chair.”

Day Four: A Story in a Single Image;  #everydayinspiration