Joie de vivre.

I am reading a sweet little book called Bonjour, Happiness! by Jamie Cat Callan, which is all about finding happiness by taking lessons from the French way of life. The author points out that "In America, we are entitled to 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' There is no such expression in France. In fact, in France, the equivalent expression is la recherche du bonheur (looking for happiness)."

What's the difference? I agree with the author that the "pursuit of happiness" suggests that happiness is something that must be chased down. "Maybe we'll even have to push a few people to the side in our pursuit, until we finally wrestle it to the ground," she writes. On the other hand, "looking for happiness" implies that it's here somewhere ... you just have to look in the right place. Happiness is not something you have to work for and run after. Rather, it's right here, hiding in plain sight. We just have to look.

Happiness can be found in the satisfaction of a job well done. It's there when we stop to feel grateful for the small things. It's about appreciating beauty and kindness. Enjoying our strength and health. Learning a new skill. Connecting with other people in this world. Realizing we're not so different after all.

Happiness is there ... we just have to pay attention. It's not something we can achieve. It's in the little moments, that when strung together, make you feel alive and connected to the loving people in this world, strangers and friends alike.

So what are my moments of happiness?

• Hugging my daughter's stuffed seal puppet (which she mothers like nothing else) even when she is not looking
• Trying to herd three children to the checkout counter at the grocery store and looking up to meet the eyes and share a smile with another mother; she's Muslim and wrapped up in her hijab ... from a completely different culture and background, but we still know each other. We are both mothers. 
• Listening to Bruno Mars full blast and dancing by myself
• Falling asleep to the sound of laughter and conversation on the street below us and waking up to the sound of traffic and roosters crowing. Strange, I know, but it makes me happy.
• Getting a funny, honest e-mail from my Aunt Myra, that reminds me that other people feel like goofs just like me.
• Making plans to go to Paris with my three "sisters" (counting my BFF of 35 years, Becca ... I love you, Bec!).
• Hanging out with Keisa.
• Sharing a laugh with Ade.
• Listening to Victor negotiate over the price of plants. It's really an art! 
• Breezes from the Atlantic ocean that remind me to be thankful that I am not in the 100-degree Texas weather.
• Yul Brynner movies (he is so hot!).
• My Kindle. 
• When Dane looks at me with a serious face and then ... he smiles. It's like a light turned on.
• When Elizabeth writes me a love letter.
• When Nathan wants his mommy (which is not often ... he is so independent!).
• Buying a new pair of fall boots.
• Buying fresh bread.
• A glass of white wine and a round of brie cheese (hands off the brie, Robert!).
• Planning (and planting) a garden.
• Afternoon light.
• Silence. 

So, your homework this week? Look around for happiness. Start by doing something with your hands: sew, bake, plant, draw, arrange fresh flowers, push a broom across the kitchen floor. Just do something hands-on, and do it well. Take your time. When you go to the store to buy what you need, make sure you look your best, smile at a stranger, and talk to the person behind the counter. Ask for their advice. And tune into your feelings. Tuck any moments of happiness into your memory. So it will be there next time you look for it. 

If nothing else, stop running after happiness. You'll just pass it right by.