Happiness is . . .

The happiest people I know are the ones who look in the mirror and see themselves.  Unencumbered by the world's opinions of it, unfettered by the media's version of it, unattached to tradition's unfocused memories, the person they see is not distorted.

Neither angel, nor devil, the reflection in that mirror is simply human with all the beautiful and fascinating cracks and crevices that come along with that.

Luminous with a passion for something, or lots of somethings, life is a Dr. Seuss tower of interests, balanced precariously between things inner and things outer, passion tempered with down on the farm practicality.

Meeting the darkness like one would storm clouds that bring not only thunder and lightning, but rain to water the soul and nourish new growth, life becomes a smoother series of ups and downs than some people might believe is possible.

Happiness is . . . freedom, diversity, acceptance, and . . .