I want to share a story about happiness. It may be short, but its impact is undeniable. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest efforts to find joy are worth it, no matter how fleeting the happiness may be.
Though this story isn’t about me, I was lucky enough to witness it.
For about a year now, I’ve occasionally seen a man walking his dog—a beautiful beagle. Every time, without fail, this kind gentleman waves at passing cars. At first, I didn’t give it much thought. I simply told myself, I wouldn’t do that, but I never stopped to consider why I wouldn’t.
As time went on, I found myself thinking about it more. There was something about the man and his beagle that exuded pure happiness. It was undeniable.
I began to understand the message hidden in those simple walks. Maybe the man waves because he has no worries in the world—though I highly doubt that’s the case. Maybe his love for his little beagle fills his heart with joy. Or perhaps the simple act of walking in the fresh air is what resets them both.
But the true lesson here is that it doesn’t matter where happiness comes from, as long as you find it. Everyone’s happiness looks different, and that’s okay. The important thing is making the time to seek it out. Even if all you get are small pockets of joy, they’re worth embracing.
Even with mental health struggles, happiness is possible. As someone living with bipolar I, I know how difficult it can be to slow down and “smell the roses.” But today, I did. I paused long enough to write this story and share a simple but powerful reminder:
Happiness is out there. Find yours.
