Happily Ever After

People like to feel good. Go figure.

The idea of crossing the finish line and having everything from there on out flow to us and for us, like milk from mother's nipples, is extremely alluring. So we get far-flung fantasies like a permanent state of blissful enlightenment and eternal leisure in heaven, as a divine reward.

And in every day life, we maintain goals that we believe, once achieved, will grant us that sense of peaceful relief that we so crave. If I can just get that promotion, graduate, pay off these loans, find my perfect mate, finalize this damned divorce, complete the remodeling, get our kids through school, whatever – then I'll be able to coast, contentedly.

Right. How many finish lines have you crossed so far? And yet, somehow, contentment still manages to elude you. But, none the less, the fantasy remains in tact. Whether it's making it to the end of life, or just to the end of the week, “happily ever after” is there, just waiting to give us a big hug.

How is it possible that such a far fetched notion, that's consistently proven false, continues to be so widely embraced? What will it take for people to come to the realization that the only happiness available, is that which we can find right now?

Life is awesome. People are entertaining. Nature is inspiring. Chores are blessings. Just to be aware is amazing, to be able to act and interact, even more so.

As a general rule, what do you focus on? Sitting in traffic, are you pissed off at the traffic light, worried about the clock or the fumes, or are you noticing the wind tickling the trees, the person gleefully singing along with the radio or that one over there, who's laughing with her kids? As you tend to your tasks, at work or home, where does your mind usually roam? What attitudes do you nurture as you stand in line? What do you think of in your idle time?

Our thoughts and our feelings are well within our power to either choose, or let loose. Sometimes the boat steers itself just fine, and life gets stale if we never wander into uncharted waters. But when we see that it's piloting itself toward a rock or a reef, maybe a little guidance would be appropriate. Or when it's hung up on a shallow shoal, perhaps, hop out, put your shoulder into it and set it free.

There's simply no sense in waiting around for circumstances to do what they surely won't. Where do you want your mind to be? How do you want to feel?

For my part, as if I have anything to say about it, I wish you a “happily ever now”.