Sunday, June 29, 2014

Three things to make you happy



I've heard it said that it takes three things to make a person happy: someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to. Makes perfect sense to me.

Of course, someone to love doesn't necessarily mean you have to be in a "relationship." It can be your spouse or significant other but it can also be your child, a close friend, a family member or a combination of any or all of them.

Although I'm divorced and not currently in a romantic relationship, I am blessed with so many wonderful people in my life, good friends and family, and I love them all.

Something to do can mean a job you enjoy, a cause you're committed to, a hobby or a passion. The important element is that it be something that gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and that it gives you a feeling of satisfaction and makes you feel you've been productive at the end of the day.

For me, that something is writing. Each morning, I look forward to some phase of my writing process. I'm either plotting, researching, writing, editing and/or promoting my Malone Mystery series. Writing is my passion and it's been my life-long dream to become a published author.

And now we've come to something to look forward to. That can be almost anything you're eagerly anticipating. A vacation, a visit from a friend, a promotion at work, anything.

Throughout the year, I try to schedule outings with friends, book signings and other events so that I almost always have something to look forward to. But, the highlight of the year is my annual vacation. I usually travel to the ocean but this year I'm doing something different. I just made my reservation for a trip to West Virginia in the Fall and I'm looking forward to a train ride through picturesque mountains, to meeting new people and, since a change of scenery tends to spark my imagination, to coming up with some ideas for future books.

I've shared the three things in my life that combine to make me happy and now I'd love to hear from you. If you leave a comment with your three things, you'll be automatically entered to win a signed paper copy of my most recent Malone Mystery, Desperate Deeds.

13 comments:

  1. I like to hear my daughter laugh. I love to write, and what makes my day is a smile from my beloved. All in all nothing too dramatic in the overall scheme of things, but enough for me

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    1. Roger, thanks for stopping by!
      I think the happiest people are those who find joy in the little things in life. Sounds like you "get" that too. :)

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  2. Still looking for someone to love. Something to do...no shortage there. Now that my classes are over I can look for employment in which to use them and concentrate on my writing. Something to look forward to...finishing three works in progress to submit them.

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    1. Thanks, Stephen! You're a great guy, very talented with a wonderful sense of humor. I'm sure you'll find the right woman when the time is right.

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  3. Pat,
    What a wonderful, uplifting post! You're right on every point. I look forward to seeing my granddaughter on FaceTime. And to my next trip abroad, this time to Ireland. And, of course, I'm glad I have good friends and great kids and my books to keep me busy.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Marilyn. I truly believe that happiness is a choice. Years ago, a friend said to me, "I've made a commitment to myself to be happy." Wise words!

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    2. I loved the post enough to share it on Twitter and save it on Evernote to read again when I need a 'boost.' I'm looking forward to celebrating year #46 with my sweet hubby. I also love my 2 beautiful, talented daughters and my 8 silly kitties - they all keep me young at heart. Now that I'm retired, I am taking the plunge and writing my first cozy. It's scary and exciting all a once. So much to look forward too.
      Betty

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    3. Betty, I'm so glad you enjoyed my post. Thank you for sharing it on Twitter and Facebook! And, I wish you the best of luck with your first cozy!

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  4. Laughter makes me happy along with family and writing. Oh, and I can't forget my dogs. Chocolate makes me delirious. It's difficult to limit it to just three things. Excellent post! I've already read Desperate Deeds (and loooved it), so don't enter me in the contest.

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    1. You have an incredible sense of humor, Marja, and they do say that laughter is the best medicine.

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  5. hi patricia,
    great post-- makes me think! thanks!

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