Happiness and Success

I was recently asked by an associate to define happiness and success.  It was an opportunity for me to hover up out of the day-to-day and look to the horizon for perspective.  I've decided to share with you some of my Musings on the topic.  So, for what it's worth . . .

What is Happiness? 

I believe we spend far too much time focused on Happiness and far too little concerned with attaining Joy.  They are quite different.  Happiness is excitement or thrill that can be very intense and usually short-lived.  Joy, on the other hand, is more subtle, deep and lasting.  To me, Joy is the peace that comes when we know that our lives / desires are in alignment with the Lord’s plan for us.  It is the warmth associated with exhaustion of self in service.  It is true, heart-felt appreciation for the myriad of small beauties that we are daily given; leaves falling from trees, the opening of a rose, the sound of snow, or the squeeze of a newborn’s hand on your finger.  It’s a peace that calls for quiet introspection and pondering, and its warmth grows over the years as a result of tearful memories you work to indelibly fix in your mind.  You’ll know it when you feel it.  Like most things of value, joy is a gift that requires years of obedience and sacrifice. 

How do I define Success? 

I feel that Success is when your life is primarily characterized by Joy.  When each day you can truly and honestly feel that you have understood and accomplished the will of the Lord for you that day, that’s Success.  I don’t believe it is a destination, but comfort / satisfaction with the refinement process each of us will undergo.  Success, to me, then is the ability to share with someone you completely love and trust, the heartfelt / overwhelming Joy you feel.  Likewise, it is the result of obedience and sacrifice.  But, interestingly enough, sacrifice is merely giving up or doing without something right now, in exchange for something that is of greater value later on.  So learning to sacrifice really is Success.

One of Those Nights

We had one of those "never to be forgotten" nights last night.  Duchess died.  She was 31 years old, and in horse years that's got to be pretty close to 100 year old for us.  She had a heart as large as she was and fought right up to the end.  Caress and Abner spent the night mourning for her.  I think Abner will miss her the most - he doesn't remember a day of his life that they haven't been together.  Whenever Sheree would go our riding, either Duchess or Abner, the other would race around the coral calling out until the one being ridden returned.  When I fed this morning, Abner was still looking for Duchess . . . she was his best friend and constant companion.  I hope he'll be OK.

Needless to say, it was a sad night, one filled with tears and introspection.  It was one of those times that adds perspective and depth to a life.

Ten things I learned from Duchess:

  1 - When you do things, put your entire heart into it - she loved to run
  2 - Spend time with those you love - eventually it's no longer an option
  3 - Never complain - she loved the company of a rider, even when it hurt
  4 - Be constant - even in her old age, she was the fastest of the three and always the leader
  5 - Be kind - when Abner got macho with her, she remained a true friend
  6 - Show gratitude in small, consistent ways - when I fed her, she always gave me a kind "touch"
  7 - Never give up - even in her last hours, she tried with all her heart
  8 - Remember who you are - she always carried herself like an Arabian
  9 - Take pain in stride - she never feared and hardly flinched when I gave her shots
10 - Even the "best" get crochety when they get old

Duchess, we'll miss your kind and steady influence in our lives.  Good-bye old girl . . .

Sheree on Abner and Cindy on Duchess

It's Time

For some time now, I've contemplated ways to improve relationships with my loved ones.  I know that time and communication are two critical elements of any lasting relationship.  I've always considered myself "traditional" and felt like letters have the level of intimacy appropriate for communicating with those I love, so I just knew the day would come when I would get better at writing letters.  Twenty years and about 10 letters blows that theory. 


I guess I've finally given in to technology . . . not completely yet . . . but perhaps this is my traditional "toe in the water" approach to change.  Besides, I've rationalized that if any of you received a letter with my name on it, you'd probably think it was a death notice.  I also know that in this day and age, the only things that come through the mail are bills, credit card applications, and mortuary advertisements.  I also know that if it can't be read in about 2 minutes, it may as well be shot to the moon.


I've started reading your blogs.  I've found them interesting and I feel I'm getting to know you a little better.  So, in return, I've decided to capture my contemplations and musings here for your potential entertainment and perhaps even edification.  I hope you'll "bookmark" this, or "follow" me.  I'll try to keep it light, fun, yet informative.  I'd love to hear from you.