Put on a happy face

It takes a while to get the hang of living.

I grew up doing what I was told.  Somehow it never occurred to me that there was purpose behind the craziness.  For a bright child I guess I was awfully dense.

I knew I was supposed to learn to read and ride a bike and play the piano and even give speeches.  I had no idea I was supposed to learn how to be happy -- to find out what satisfied me.

I was the least of my concerns.  I thought life was the stage where people performed for other people, an endurance game of subtle manipulation seeking approval. 

If you smile -- I must be happy!

Of course it is gratifying to make others happy, but the real art of living is finding out what makes me wake up smiling.

There's no fooling me then.