I like to live in the northeast because I enjoy the change of seasons. I try not to play favorites, although if I had to pick I’d probably say spring is my favorite, with its return of green after a long cold. But for some reason summer is so wonderful this year. First of all, I’m creatively so “on,” I’ve written over 10,000 words this week alone. But I’ve also spent lots of long, dallying nights with friends outside this summer, by the fire, talking and laughing until the wee hours. I’ve gone out a lot, too, especially lately, making the best of my childless time. I’ve also taken a book to the woods to spend time out in nature a few lazy afternoons, and I’ve toured New York City art galleries with my more art-savvy friends. Still coming up is a ropes course I’ve promised to do with a friend and a beach vacation. I am at such peace and filled with so much happiness and gratitude these days.
It was in this balmy part of my life that I came across an awesome article I really want to recommend. It helped put things in perspective for me. It’s all about how happiness changes throughout life. When I read it, it instantly clicked for me. Because, let’s face it, if 22-year-old me saw what 46-year-old me considers fun (reading in the woods, kooky old lady?) she would be thoroughly unimpressed.
But that has to do with what we define as happiness in which stage of our lives. I’ll link to the article below so you can see the whole progression, but it suggests that at my stage of life happiness comes less from the excitement we all like to chase early in life and more about meaning. I work hard to leave the world a little better than I found it, to be kind to as many people as I can and do as little harm as I can (as the bold ants trying to invade my kitchen will tell you. It’s like they know I have an anti-pesticide policy). I suppose this great contentment I feel comes from pursuing the right kind of happiness for me at this time of my life.
What I find so important about this piece is that it points the way to finding more satisfaction wherever we are in life. That changes, and it’s good to know. The article says these stages are “based on science,” which always does it for me, but judge for yourself. Click here to read the whole thing.
And then, whatever corner of our gorgeous earth you inhabit, go outside and love on it a little. Or, you know, do whatever makes you happy at this stage of your life. Much love.