On My Way to Happy
It had been good to catch up with my friend. In town for business, he had called and we went for breakfast to reconnect and get updates on family, friends and career – and to reminisce about the days at “Dear Ole Morehouse.” While the conversation was good and filled with lots of laughter and loud talking, I couldn’t help but sense a subtle undertow of sadness.
When the pancakes and turkey sausage were done and the bill was paid, we stepped out into the brisk spring air and shared a pound and a hug. He turned right, and I turned left on the way to our cars. After a few steps, I reversed and called out “Go be happy bro!” His reaction was to stop, pivot and reply quietly, “I’m on my way… On my way to happy.”
I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard a more compelling sentence than those simple words on that chilly morning. Nor have I ever seen a more compelling metaphor for the pursuit of happiness. A large brother taking lumbering steps down a path filled with obstacles – some that could trip him up, others that must be stepped around or over, still others that may distract him from moving forward; windows, doors and alleys that may cause him to stop, stare, turn or detour. Yet, there he was, in an unfamiliar neighborhood on an unknown street pressing forward toward a determined destination.I could insert my own experiences here, but that doesn’t matter much does it? What’s more important is your own familiarity. What does this mean to you or for you?Is anything standing between you and your happiness? Are you in a dead end job? Do you want more out of a relationship? Are you focused on your health and wellness like you should be? Has a dream been deferred? The fundamental answers to these questions may be readily apparent. Yet, I understand that resolving the challenge may be easier said than done. Nevertheless, what are you doing about it?
Are you on your way to happy?
The walk towar
ds “happy” that my friend started that day required bravery. When you stop and think about it, the common act of walking down a sidewalk can be precarious. It can be tough and challenging. But to get anywhere, it’s really what we have to do – one foot in front of the other.My boy is on his way to happy. Are you?
By the way, my friend wasn’t really on that sidewalk alone was he? Neither are you. But that may be the subject of a whole different blog post.
