Happiness is...

I love the song from Peanuts, Happiness. Some of the things mentioned are very childish...but I think that's only the simplicity of it. And simple things should make you happy.

HAPPINESS IS FINDING A PENCIL.
PIZZA WITH SAUSAGE
TELLING THE TIME.HAPPINESS IS LEARNING TO WHISTLE.
TYING YOUR SHOE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

HAPPINESS IS PLAYING THE DRUM IN YOUR OWN SCHOOL BAND.
AND HAPPINESS IS WALKING HAND IN HAND.HAPPINESS IS TWO KINDS OF ICE CREAM.
KNOWING A SECRET.
CLIMBING A TREE.
HAPPINESS IS FIVE DIFFERENT CRAYONS.
CATCHING A FIREFLY.
SETTING HIM FREE.

HAPPINESS IS BEING ALONE EVERY NOW AND THEN.
AND HAPPINESS IS COMING HOME AGAIN.
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAY TIME AND NIGHT TIME TOO.
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

HAPPINESS IS HAVING A SISTER.
SHARING A SANDWICH.
GETTING ALONG.
HAPPINESS IS SINGING TOGETHER WHEN DAY IS THROUGH,
AND HAPPINESS IS THOSE WHO SING WITH YOU.
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME TOO.
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

These lyrics are in a different order than what I'm used to...apparently the animated video is different than the actual musical. But. I love them. I've always loved the last verse best. But, I feel that, as I've spent more time here in Flagstaff for college, I've learned to appreciate the simple things. So, I find the rest of this song very appropriate. Except maybe the first verse...I've been tying my shoes for awhile now...but I DO enjoy pizza. Always.

Happiness is being able to sing.
Happiness is being able to sit and read my scriptures and feel the Spirit.
Happiness is sending someone a simple text and having them tell you that it made their day.
Happiness is receiving revelation.
Happiness is getting a random hug. (By random I don't mean from a random person. That probably wouldn't be happiness.)
Happiness is not having to go to my least favorite class.
Happiness is being surrounded by wonderful people.
Happiness is (are?) friends who know how to make me smile.
Happiness is friends who make me laugh SO much.
Happiness is friends who give me support when I need it.
Happiness is friends who I can tell certain things that very few people know about.
Happiness is trying to be better.
Happiness is Mika (whom I am listening to currently.)
Happiness is Amy being pregnant. :)
Happiness is being an aunt.
Happiness is going to Mesa Veteran's Day weekend and then Thanksgiving, and then winter break.
Happiness is the holidays.
Happiness is seeing the hand of Christ in my life - through the blessings I receive and through the actions of my friends.
Happiness is talking to old friends and making new friends.
Happiness is pizza.
Happiness is free food.
Happiness is spending time with my friends who have become my family while I am separated from my real family (other than Amy, Stephen, and baby in process).
Happiness is seeing all these things in my life that make me happy.

I do get in my funks. My random cranky, grumpy moods where I secretly want to yell at people or punch a wall (these usually happen when I'm hungry or tired. Or both.) But, I am ultimately happy. There was a short period of time a little while ago where I pretty much smiled/laughed when around certain people. But those experiences always are proceeded by the happiest times of my life. It makes me appreciate being happy; smile more, because I know smiles are precious; try to be more grateful, because I come to recognize the people who care about me and try to help me. And, now...I am happy. Happiness is my life, despite the trials, my funks, the stress, and lack of pizza in it at the moment. (I really like pizza. And am now craving it.)

So, do me a favor. Smile, kay? It releases endorphins. And will likely make someone's day. If you're having trouble being happy, make a list of happiness. Or let people you can trust know, and I can guarantee they will do whatever is to help put a smile on your face. This I know from experience - on both sides.