What makes you happy?

Recently I was stopped by a train in Longmont, CO. As I was sitting there waiting to proceed, I noticed a building on the right, an old factory-type place with a sign that said Cheese Importers. Having an hour to kill before my next meeting, I decided to check it out. As soon as the train made its final pass I made a quick right and pulled into the parking lot in the back. How surprising to find a patio filled with cute little bistro sets and wrought iron fixtures, all brightly painted – blue, yellow, orange, lime green and more! It was enchanting and brought to mind the images I have in my head of a European plaza.

Inside was even more delightful. Rooms filled with brightly colored items from France and Italy and other far away countries, a large refrigerated room filled with cheeses from all over the world (Complete with jackets if you get chilled while perusing.), a cute little bar and bistro with an eclectic mix of tables and chairs, fresh baguettes and croissants and of course, cheeses to sample, Italian wines and French music – it was a feast for the senses.

As I wandered around exploring every nook and cranny, I realized how happy this place made me feel. Immediately I called the gal I was meeting with and told her to meet me there. I wanted to relish this place and check out the goodies in the bistro. We sampled some delicious cheeses and enjoyed a glass of wine. This was a happy place, so alive with color and charming energy.

I went back twice more, just to soak in the feeling. My daughter and I enjoyed a delicious lunch sitting at a fun little table tucked away in a corner. I definitely wanted more of this.

Creative juices flowing, I immediately got busy. (When I decide I want to do something, I want it now!)  I had a sorry collection of old wrought iron furniture, pots and miscellaneous in my yard. What could I do to brighten them up a little? Armed with $25 worth of spray paint, I went to work and a couple of afternoons later – voila – my happy garden.  I can view the garden from my patio doors and today I sit on the patio sipping my morning coffee, it makes me smile. For I realize it's not the finished garden that makes me happy, it was creating the garden itself that brought me joy.

I have come to realize that I don’t do enough things that make me happy. Busy with work and obligations, I have fallen into the trap of just existing. I like creating things, yet it has been years since I have allowed those passions to come forth. There are so many things that I enjoy – music, art, theater, why do I stifle those desires. Time to make time for those things that feed my soul. After all, as don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements says, “our only job here is to be happy.”

Today I put it on my calendar to attend a theater in the park performance, a comedy. I have salsa music on my stereo – cranked up really, really loud. And after soaking in the colors of my garden, I am salsa dancing on the patio. There are salsa classes at a local eatery once a week, perhaps I will sign up.

I am ready for more happy. Anyone know of a good metal art class?

To finding your happy garden…

Hugs,

Donna

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