Three Things To Make You Happy

Jan and me in Mt. Pleasant, SC

When I originally posted this essay in June 2014, I had such a positive response that I decided to update it and post it again.

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. That 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. I'm especially grateful to have my eighty-six year old mother living right across the hall from me.

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. Last year, my good friend, Jan, and I traveled to Mt. Pleasant and Charleston, South Carolina. The trip was for rest and relaxation but it was also for research for my fifth Malone mystery. The 3 Rs. This year, we're planning a trip to Ocean City, Maryland. We're running into some scheduling glitches but I have my fingers crossed that our plans will work out.

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, you'll be automatically entered to win a signed copy of my third Malone Mystery, Desperate Deeds. 

And, if you'd like another chance to win, I've scheduled a Giveaway on Goodreads beginning Wednesday at midnight. Scroll to the bottom of this screen to enter. 

Happy Reading!