For the last several weeks I’ve found myself thinking about happiness. More specifically about what it takes to make me happy.
Most of my studying has taken place late at night while I lie snuggled in my bed, waiting to hear the creaking of the garage door or the sound of feet speeding up the front porch steps letting me know the girls are home.
Maybe that’s the time I’ve chosen to ponder life’s happiness because for the first time in 18 years I’ve found myself on a different schedule than the girls.
What has all my thinking taught me? Nothing new. But it has reminded me happiness can be found in the everyday things I often take for granted:
food to fill my stomach
the wood stove that keeps our house toasty warm
soft blankets on my bed-one made by Mamaw Marie-2 bought by Granny because she thought I’d like them
a nightstand with a lamp for light and a good book for reading
A recent quote from my devotional sums up my thoughts pretty well: Happiness isn’t having what you want; Happiness is wanting what you have.
I believe there is a strong sense of being happy with what you have-of making the best of what you’ve got-in Appalachia.
Tipper
Appalachia Through My Eyes – A series of photographs from my life in Southern Appalachia.
I read this almost 10 years after you wrote and it is exactly how I feel tonight. By the way, I’ve spent the last two hours reading Blind Pig and The Acorn and relishing these postings from the past.
I agree. I also think a great deal of contentment can come from knowing the difference between a need, versus a want or desire.
I think far too many people nowadays get the last two mixed up with the first which usually leads to a myriad of troubles, so I think it’s a valuable lesson adults need to teach to their children, grandchildren, etc., once they learn it themselves. ;o)
God bless.
RB
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Beautifully said
Tipper,
One of my favorite sayings of late is…
“Life does not have a remote…get up and change it yourself!”
In other words. If you either are not happy or content, or content but not happy or happy and not content…get up and change the situation yourself. No one can do it for you! One just might parallel their happiness and contentment for the good of all, especially themselves!
Thanks Tipper,
PS…guess I’m done, I’m getting off my soapbox…
So typical of the daily sustenance I find in Blind Pig and the Acorn. It has been for many years the only website I visit. I don’t visit others because I don’t want to read what I’m eating and doing wrong. I don’t want to read a bunch of ranting. I don’t want to read people attacking each other. I don’t want some one else’s politics or, in fact, their religious dogma. I don’t want vulgarity and crudeness on my monitor.
I want a Tipper-inspired daily magazine.
Kasie and I talk daily about how fortunate we are in our modest dwelling and our modest living. We have everything we need and we love each day.
Thank you for reminding us that life is good or bad only through our perception.
Your photo of the home looks so much like my own. I love living on my mountain side.
Friends and family love to gather here. We loved to talk about growing up and were poor but never knew it. We always had enough no matter how little there was.
When scraped knees were made better by mama’s kiss. We were loved and that’s what mattered.
I learned lessons to grateful of all I do have.
Lovely post! So true.
Pam
scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com
As I get older, I find that looking for beauty in common everyday things (and you can usually find it if you will just take the time to look) is a fine way of finding contentment and happiness.
Tipper: Your post is so heart-felt! May those foot-steps always be ‘on time’in the still of the night!
Eva Nell
Tipper,
I really hate to open this can of worms…but I do not think
‘content and happy’ are the same thing…do you really?
One can be happy and not content with the way their lives are going!…
or be content but not a happy person with their life!
Thanks,
PS…loved your post today…
I think happiness has a lot to do with wanting to be happy. I know some people who appear to WANT to be unhappy – never satisfied with anything. It is true that happiness is more about wanting what you have than having what you want. At this point, I am happy to say that I want what I have. Loving the western NC mountain life.
Oh my, Tipper.I love the quote. You have learned so very much so young. A healthy mental outlook is to adjust and be happy in your present situation whatever it be. No matter what may go afoul in life, we Appalachians can generally stop and be thankful for all that is good in our lives. High on my blessings list is just living in the Appalachian Mountains of America. I am so grateful to live in freedom among good folks. Low on the list would be spell check, but grateful nonetheless.
We can owe much to our roots, but then we have to add busy hands. While not as gifted as you with talent, I have many hobbies. Hobbies keep one busy and make life more enjoyable.
Please do more pondering and thinking so we can enjoy more of your great quotes. You need wall hanging of the cozy picture of your home.
I agree with your conclusions one hundred percent.
So very true..these thoughts are what we always tried to teach our kids. I have never had money,but even if I did I know that you can’t buy love,which is ultimately the only thing worth having!
THE PRAYER
I’m grateful for the sun that awakens the earth, and the moon that lights my pathway in the night, i’m grateful for my many gifts especially the precious breath of life, I’m grateful for my abilities that guide me day and night as i walk the sacred path, i’m grateful for the lessons i have learned and the spiritual peace and happiness i have earned, I’m grateful for my Spiritual Strength and for my thoughts to praise,I’m grateful for your everlasting love that goes on thoughout all day. This is my gratitude prayer every morning, it describes my happiness each day.
Tipper,
You don’t want to get me started on this subject!
I had a professor ask the class I was in, “How many here are really happy?”…I held my hand up and looked around. There were only one or two that raised their hands!
I knew I was in trouble when I saw the eyes look at me and ask why…I simply said in my humble opinion, “Happiness, is a state of a positive mind!” and went on to say one can decide to be “happy or not”!
“Why?”, he said.
I said, “Can you explain, why I see adults with raggedy clothes on, standing in a line with barely enough money or food stamps to pay for their food, but have happiness just ‘bursting out in smiles’ when they talk to the cashier or others as they carry their meager bag of groceries to their cruddy, falling apart car?
That doesn’t make you want things that could make you more comfortable…but one can choose to be happy or not, regardless of the situation!
The ones that had complained about being unhappy…bad boyfriend, cruddy car, no free money to spend, failing classes, etc. shut-up and then the bell timer rang…
Thanks Tipper,
Some family members are proof that the old saying, money can’t make you happy, is so very true. I have never been one to find happiness in expensive clothing or cars. A fishing trip with my family or getting good health reports are a few of the things that make me happy and thankful.
PS: The picture of your home certainly fits the post!
Yes, what you have shared is so true. I have always been happy with some of the little things. I’ve always been thankful that I have had a full life and been able to put food on the table, clothes on my back and my children, and that my family has decent health. Ah, yes, and a good book to read before sleep.
Quite a thoughtful post, Tipper. I thing you have found the secret to happiness and it’s not in riches and possessions. I can, and do, choose to be happy and contented right where I stand.
I love my new home, all my needs are met. Every time I come home there are three happy furry faces to greet me with love and devotion. I am warm and have plenty to eat. I have plenty of books to read and a family just down the road!
I can’t help thinking how mature your thoughts are for a young woman! You seem to be both young and energetic as well as old and wise.
Tipper,
I always look forward to your
philosophy on life. I’m thankful
to have you for a friend…Ken
I often sit on my deck and look out at the mountains and thank God for bringing me to this beautiful area.
I also am realizing I do not need a lot of the things I have gathered over the years.
I am starting my Spring cleaning early and passing on things that others can use.
It is a good feeling.
I love when you post your philosophy icings, Tipper! We in Appalachia. Like to think through things and come to conclusions. Happiness is…. make your own list!
I love when you post your philosophy icings, Tipper! We in Appalachia. Like to think through things and come to conclusions. Happiness is…. make your own list!
I love when you post your philosophy icings, Tipper! We in Appalachia. Like to think through things and come to conclusions. Happiness is…. make your own list!
I love when you post your philosophy icings, Tipper! We in Appalachia. Like to think through things and come to conclusions. Happiness is…. make your own list!
A very wise feller once said:
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Wonderful post! A good reminder for all of us.
Seems odd waiting up on the girls, doesn’t it? My son is 24 and if he doesnt wake me up coming in, then I wake up wondering if he got home ok.
I love that quote. I’m still learning to be content with such as I have-to look for happiness and to choose joy in the little things.
Hope you have a great day
I agree with you,being content is the greatest happiness you could have.
May God Bless each one with His peace.
I agree with you,being content is the greatest happiness you could have.
May God Bless each one with His peace.
I agree with you,being content is the greatest happiness you could have.
May God Bless each one with His peace.
I agree with you,being content is the greatest happiness you could have.
May God Bless each one with His peace.