Dare

"Misery Has Enough Company. Dare to be Happy." I read this on a billboard today. It was a billboard for Volkswagon. I tried to find it on the web, but couldn't. I am sure Marion could find it in 1.7 seconds.

I love the message on this billboard for a few reasons.

1. My definition of Happiness is not smiles and giggles all day every day. My definition of happiness is a life of contentment and joy and a feeling that no matter what happens to you (especially the crappy stuff), you feel ABLE to possibly cope, and maybe even cope well (eventually).

2. I also know that happiness is a choice.

3. Being miserable is also a choice, and it is a waste of time. Having down days, sad times, periods of grief is productive and the necessary opposition for the smiles and giggles portions of our lives. There are a lot of miserable people out there...steer clear.

4. Because of all the miserable people, choosing happiness is quite daring isn't it? I kind of like that it has that risk involved...because there are wild and crazy darts thrown at you to threaten your very daring choice.

In the wake of the V-Tech shooting yesterday, I have been trying to put myself in the shoes of those who were faced with those bullets, and those who are left behind, and even the poor soul who was doing the shooting. Being a vulnerable human being, raising even more vulnerable human beings in this vast vast world is daring. Thank goodness we have the tools we need to cope, comfort, grieve, grow, and eventually find happiness again. That is my prayer for all of those touched by the tragedy of yesterday, that will live on far beyond yesterday.