On Being Happy

I wake up every morning and run through a mental checklist. Colin, kids, responsibilities, the day’s events. And it’s usually pretty great.  I have so much to be thankful for and I’m genuinely happy. But it hasn’t always been that way.

Many years ago while living in Alaska, I was involved in an accident that nearly took my life. It’s something that I’ve never spoken about publicly before but I keep it with me every day. Two women lost their lives and it was horrific. It altered my life, much for the worse, for a very long time. For several weeks after the accident I was unable to make basic decisions, like what to drink or what to wear. I truly thought I was dead and that somehow I was dreaming I was alive.  And for many years after, I was plagued with guilt for having lived, but was afraid of everything. Too scared to fly on an airplane, to cross a bridge, to walk at night. Everything was hard for me.

And it was no way to live.

As a little girl, I learned how I wanted to live. I wanted to be a wife, have beautiful children and have a happy life. I dreamt about it and when times were tough, it got me through. I always knew there was something wonderful waiting for me someday.

And at some point, I remembered those childhood dreams and stopped living out of fear and slowly began to be happy.

Thank goodness.

And I’ve been thinking about my happiness a lot lately. About everything that I love.  It’s true that clouds make me smile, carrots bring me joy, and that nothing is greater than those I love.

The other day, after blogging about carrots, I heard from “anonymous” who told me my happiness made them sick, which made me think about it all.

Happiness. And how it has come to be. And it just made me more thankful than ever before. But I especially wanted to say…

Are you happy? Do you look for the good in every day?

Don’t waste your time on the things that bring you down. Eliminate those things and move on with the good.  Because there’s so much good in the world.

Are you surrounded by those you love? The ones who bring you joy and you would do anything for?

Surround yourself with those wonderful people.

Do good. And good will come.

Happiness will come.

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Comments

[kristine hanson]

well said

[Jane T in NW Louisiana]

That poor, poor woman must be absolutely miserable. I for one love reading every word you write and am so thankful you survived. You are probably aware of Melody Ross and The Brave Girls Club, but if you aren't, then are you ever in for a treat if you Google it. Probably something you would want to participate in. Have a lovely week.

[Melis in Wis.]

This post made me teary. 2 weeks ago I lost a friend in a one-car accident. Her daughter just turned 31. Her other daughter is due with her second baby in 2 months. This is the way my friend lived her life. She did good and surrounded herself with good things and good people. She was a teacher and a mother and wife and friend. 600 people came to her wake and hundreds more to her funeral. Thank you for another reminder, Serena, that life is too short to not be lived to the fullest and with joy.

[teresa]

I love it here...because of your happy attitude.
Way to be.

[Teresa Sheeley]

You are a true blessing to us all. And inspiring!! :)

[Cathy]

I totally agree...practicing gratitude every day is the key to happiness!

[Vanessa]

What a beautiful and inspiring post! Thank you <3

[Lisa Hilderbrand]

Thank you for sharing your story. When you look at your life now after that 'event', it must seem almost surreal. Surrounding yourself with happy does do the trick. If we can't find the joy in little things we won't be able to recognize it in the big things {and I believe the big things are the little things :)}
xxoo,

[Amy H.]

I look at your page almost every day. It just makes me smile!!! You really help me to not only keep dreaming, but try to make those dreams happen. Thank you for that!!!

[Connie]

Amen! And please don't ever feel guilty for being the one that made it through that accident as it wasn't your time to go and you inspire people every day with your kind words and creativity.

Hugs,
Connie

[kimberly keeley]

Love the blog, stay happy and spread it. Most people who say they don't like happy people really want to be one. Keep Smiling and sharing your love for life.

[Gail Kramer]

I'm sorry for everything you went through. I have a friend whose husband was killed in a car accident and the young man who caused the accident has struggled with life ever since. My friend has reached out to him several times to help him and encourage him to find happiness, life goes on, things happen, and to choose joy. She and her children are a shining example of how that happens. It wasn't easy and is still painful but she chose life and prays the other person so profoundly affected by the tragedy will do the same.
I'm glad you chose to.

My whole mantra is, Above All, Know Joy - and if you find it in carrots, clouds or cupcakes you're blessed!

[june deese]

thanks for sharing a part of your life with us..God has a plan for each one of us my dear friend,He wasnt finished with you yet...keep being the happy person you are!

[Stacy]

Sending LOVE to Ms. {Anonymous}. Hoping 4U to know the GLORY of Living too! It is POSSIBLE 4 ALL.

[Mish]

You are a wonderful person. It's good to know that there are still people like you in the world. I am so glad you are here.

[Tami C.]

Thank you. I needed to hear this, to be reminded. You are a blessing to us that surf blog land!

[Linda]

Awwww.... God Bless You!

[Cass]

Wow, thank you for sharing such an intimate (and dark) period for you. This story is an inspiration, I especially like the part about "Do good. And good will come" "Happiness will come". Such few words but so profound. I hope that whoever wrote such a nasty comment about your personal happiness with carrots was just having a terrible day and is reading this now a little in shame. Not everyone has something nice to say but my momma always taught me "if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all". Keep being happy and doing what you do-it does make a difference in the world.

[Sarah Jane]

What a horrific thing to have had to live with & deal with on a daily basis Serena.
But you also need to be congratulated on being able to acknowledge the past, the physical pain, the pain your heart feels & put in in a place where it allows you to live & love your life now.
S. x

[Kelli]

Thank you for writing and sharing about happiness and all the "little things" that bring them to you. There is far too much negativity and sadness in our world...so keep up the happy sharing! ;)

[Patrice]

Sweetest Serena ~ Your genuine-ness and originality shine through in each and every word, as does your true happiness! Bah-humbug on anonymous . . . . keep the faith girlfriend!

xoxox Patrice

[Erin]

God wasn't done with you yet...he had you in mind for Colin's wife and for you to be your kids Mama. And so many other wonderful things that have been, and so many other things that are yet to be.

It saddens me deeply that people can be so cruel. I'm especially sorry that someone as sweet as you was the recipient of such a mean spirited comment. Joy is everywhere, even in carrots. But we have to sometimes look for it, or otherwise we might miss it.

Love,

Erin

[Val Reimer]

Thank you for sharing your story and your honesty! I am so happy for you that you found happiness. You are a true blessing! May I add that happiness is a choice and we can choose that for ourselves. We can get up every morning, look in the mirror and tell ourselves "Today I choose happiness!"

[Kimberly]

I've always sensed from your writings that you'd lived through some unpleasant event in your life; that shaped you into who you are. I'm sorry that you felt you needed to share that event, because of some negative thing someone said. Your happiness is refreshing! I was having a tough day, the day you posted your carrot story; your story lifted my spirits that day, I was so amazed that such transparent joy could be found in something like a carrot. Such an inspiring example of finding joy in the small things!! Keep up the good work, and the happy blogging!

[~mary~]

Isn't it odd that someone could feel the need to post something like that??? What was their point to make that comment - just to get attention and show their unhappiness/jealousy?

Keep on Keepin' on with your happy sassy life! That is why I keep coming back!

Thank you for sharing your story (and all the Gypsie Wagon Girl ones too).

[sharron]

you are so right..always find joy even in the sweet shugar carrots that come our way!!!
blessings~

[Marie]

We all generate what we want out of life and what we want in our relationships. You Serena, generate happiness. Don't change a thing!

[nancy]

I recently heard someone say that they've known a thankful person who was bitter, or a bitter person who was thankful... It sound as though anonymous needs to find something in her life to be thankful for...

[nancy]

in reference to the above post...that would be "never known" --- sorry!

[patti]

I too am grateful everyday and find pleasure in the simply things ... I was one of the lucky ones that missed being a statistic of September 11th by about 15 minutes ... Life truly is spectacular - if you take the time to appreciate it and not take a second of it for granted.

[Sanna]

Wow. Thank you for sharing and thank you for reminding me to see happiness in little things too. It´s easily forgotten in the everyday life. May it be a carrot or not ;)

-Sanna

[heather hales]

I absolutely believe that happiness is a choice. No one has a perfect life, but some of us choose to be happy regardless of our circumstances.

great message- and hooray for choosing to live and enjoy your dreams!

[Nedra- Cactus Needle]

Amen.
Every one of us is faced with difficult things in life, AND with blessings. It is ALWAYS up to us to decide which side of the line we would like to focus on.
I've noticed it doesn't take any talent to complain. True greatness comes from learning and growing from every situation.

[Courtney Henson]

Thank you for this reminder Serena...I do need to remember to look for the happiness in every day! And you are someone to help me do that! I love reading your blog posts and really appreciate the joy you find in the simple, beautiful daily stuff that surrounds us. Keep sharing your happiness because this world really needs it!

[Jori]

Your sunny outlook is so refreshing. I appreciate your positive attitude and all of your brilliant ideas. :)

[Erin]

Keep spreading happiness, we love the reminders to take pleasure in the simple things!! Hugs, E

[Kim McCallie]

Thank you for sharing your story. I, for one, am glad that clouds and carrots make you happy. Now, I don't feel so strange. I have two odd things that make me happy: the first is the ice machine at work. (It makes me smile every time I fill up my glass.) The other is the sound of the dishwasher running at night. It makes me happy to know that I will not wake up to a sink of dirty dishes. It's a wonderful, soothing sound.

[Shann]

I am sorry to hear about the terrible accident you were in! I am so thankful you found joy again. I have two daughters. I tell them that when girls (all ages) are mean it is out of jealousy usually. Keep spreading your joy to us!!! It is catching!! :)

[Cheryl @ a pretty cool life.]

This is beautiful.

xoxo

[Molly]

I believe in Happiness and I believe it starts within. I found a saying lately that I have hanging in my home that says"Happiness is not a destination but a way of Life" Life can get us down but we can not let it - instead dig deep and find your happiness again. The day will come when we get to Heaven when we all will find TRUE happiness!!
I loved your post - I am thankful God had other plans for your life full of happy days...

[Karen]

I hear you!! This is a good lesson to remember! Thanks!

[shannon]

thank you Serena for the inspiring post. I had a tough day on Sunday, really tough. I am back on track now. You words only re-inforce how important it is to be happy and to look at the world with your glass 1/2 full.
I'm happy the you survived the accident. I enjoy reading about your life, your new farmhouse and that you are human too.
:)
Shannon
www.cascobaysoap.blogspot.com

[Anonymous]

Your post made me tear up. I completely understand so much of what you are saying. I am trapped in an abusive relationship that, for reasons I won't get into, it is unsafe for me to leave at this time. However, I am not a victim. So much of our happiness is determined by our mindset, and life truly is what we make it.

I know that someday, some way, a better life is out there for me. I grew up in a farming community, and one day, I will return to a rural area with a happier version of my life. When the time comes to leave my current situation, something is out there for me that is great. I can just feel it. Like you, it's one of the things that gets me through when my days are at their darkest. My faith in God keeps me going, and my ability to find happiness in the simplest of pleasures are what keeps me smiling. When I'm feeling broken, things like a big patch of pumpkins, a butterfly perched on a flower, or the smell of lilacs lifts my spirits right up.

Thank you for making regular deposits to the bank of happiness in my mind. :) I love your posts, photos, products, and ideas. I love the simple things, the simple ways, and the simple life. Nature is a wonderful thing, as is life, and every day and everything should be cherished. "It is the sweet, simple things of life that are the real ones, after all." Laura Ingalls Wilder Blessings to you and yours!

[Trina]

I will never forget a woman I once knew in my twenties. This woman seemed to have everything, everything you'd think that could make one happy. But this woman was bitter and spread her bitterness towards people each and every day.
I think we can take the hardships we experience in life and let them swallow us whole, or we can choose to focus on the wonderful things that can make us happy...like you did.
Spreading happiness each and every day is the most beautiful part of being alive.
Thank you for that beauty.
xoTrina

[Janet C]

I have always enjoyed your posts, they've made me feel happy. I'm guessing that "Anonymous" is a unhappy person, and is jealous of others that feel joy. Please don't let this get you down, you inspire happiness.

[Kari]

I love your post. I too was in a car accident. I was 18 years old at the time and my mother was killed. I totally understand about fear. Though I don't let it stop me, I think about it every time I get in a car, etc. I too, learned that life can change in an instant and so it's good to appreciate every moment. Thanks for posting!

[Alison]

Love this post, Serena, especially in light of your recently having to close your sweet shop. But your first sentence made me smile. There are no mental checklists going through my mind when I wake up...only fog. And lots of it, until I have my coffee. And then, only then, can I go through my checklists! lol!

Life is full of disappointments, but it is also full of indescribable joy. And your blog makes me happy....thanks for sharing this little piece of your life with us. =)

[miss holly]

bless you for being so open.... it is not always easy.. I too am a happy person and have also had some tough times. most of us do, some more than others but we can move on and be and make happiness and you do make happiness. thank you lovely lady!

[Trish Thomas]

Thank you for sharing, I'm so sorry that someone else was so unhappy to be so unkind to you. I've learned that sometimes people
are jealous of others and jealousy is a miserable feeling for them.
Please continue to share your great ideas and cheerful thoughts and know that they are appreciated and even looked forward to by myself and I'm sure a lot of other people too! Hugs :)

[rebecca]

Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a GIFT, that's why it is called the PRESENT!
You are a little gift I give myself each day! Be happy knowing the impact you have on your readers...

[Angie]

it is this song from a past post of yours that is a good reminder to me:

Oh the Lord is good to us

and so we thank the Lord

for giving us the things we need -

the sun and the rain and the appleseeds...

The Lord is good to us!

My happiness is found in Christ alone.
Thanks for being open! :)

[Trish Thomas]

reading thru the other comments brought to mind a recent book that I read by Mary Beth Chapman (she is the wife of the Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman ) It's called Choosing To See. If you know of SCC then you probably know that they lost their youngest daughter to a tragic accident 2 yrs ago. The book is an amazing testament to being human and the choices we have to make in life everyday to be happy. I really enjoyed it, it's a wonderful story of faith in the good and bad times of life, which is also what would be known as real life! :) Just thought I'd share.

[Pam]

Your response in this post to the "sick" woman was well said without wishing that person ill. Maybe they will learn to let go and find that bit of happiness now too in their own way after reading these comments. In this overly cynical competitive world it is O.K. to be a genuinely nice, happy person. Not that we don't all have our moments, that is part of being human. A great person once told me it is all about your attitude. If you look at your situation and have the mindset it is going to be a difficult, dreadful task ahead of you - IT WILL BE. If your attitude is that it will all work out and there are reasons to be happy - YOU WILL BE. MUCH LOVE TO THE "Sick of Happiness" person!

[Elaine/TinkerVerve]

There are some great thoughts there, Serena - Sometimes I worry about coming across as too happy, jolly, joyful, content...I don't want people to think I'm insincere with it ~ it's just simply who I am. I'm sure people can get weary of hearing it but then, unfortunately, it just shows how sad their own lives are. blessings to YOU!

[Melany]

As you can tell by all the comments - your happiness is a gift to many many people. It apparently only makes one odd person "sick". lol I love your blog and I'm another one who is thankful to have found it and I find inspiration and smile when I read it. You're leading a "real and authentic" life. Thank you!

[laurie magpie ethel]

I am glad you found the happy in life after your accident. Life is too short not to find the good and joy in it. I always answer comments left on my blog and struggled for a word to use instead of "hugs", "love" etc...I now sign each email with a "happy day" and then my name. I think it truly comes from my heart and is what life is all about...being happy.

[Hollie Eastman]

Thanks for sharing your hard won lessons Serena! You are a brave and beautiful person! Love, funky junk Hollie

[Kelly Heeringa]

Ditto to what everyone else has shared. As a nurse for 26 years, it has been my greatest struggle to find meaning in such great losses. Luckily, a power much greater than I can take on that burden.
Sometimes happiness is a choice.. in honor of those not here now.
Keep up the good work. There are other blogs for crabby people!

[Jean]

My family of 5 tragically became 3, four years ago. After coming out of the fog I tried praying for others to keep my mind off my own heartbreak. A win/win situation! God is good and I am blessed.

[Dawn]

People who recognize the sweetness in simple things are kindred spirits spread around the globe, and if you look from space, we are tiny lights, sprinkled about the planet.

You are a bright light among them!

love,

Dawn

[Rise' McKnight]

Thank you for your wonderful reminder to be thankful! It brought to mind a conversation my heavenly sister,(who is now deceased),and I once had about how helpful gratitude is. She said,"I'm just so grateful for the color yellow".
P.S. Love to anonymous too.

[Lori Fisher-Martin]

Thank you for sharing your story Serena! Life is truly a gift that we need not take for granted. You are such an inspiration to me. God Bless~

Lori Fisher-Martin
Montesano, WA

[Sherry]

Thanks for being YOU!!

[Alicia]

What a fabulous post.

[Peggy]

Hi Serena; I too went through some rough stuff and the one thing I know for sure now is that you have a choice to be happy or sad. I choose happy and I am glad you do to.

[Crystal Burns]

Serena,

I just want to let you know I read your Blog every single day. It is part of my morning ritual. I find it so refreshing that in todays busy world you find joy from so many simple things. It gives me great joy to read about your life. I really appreciate your heart felt post today. It warms my heart. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Crystal

[Leslie]

Thank you for your wonderful outlook. I get tiered of whiney people and am sometimes one of them, but I tend to look at the optimistic view too. So much better! Love your cheery blog!

[Erin]

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Day by day, God gives me strength to think on such things. The mind is such a battlefield. It's a blessing to think about things like carrots and be thankful. I always love your blog (and your friends' blogs). But this may be one of your best posts. Thanks for sharing something so personal and how it's changed your life. Erin

[sandy]

Oh Serena, I am so sorry someone was cruel to you. People like that are lonely and miserable and just want others to be the same as they are. I have had a very rough year. Seven surgeries in my family between my husband, my daughter and myself. But I would never wish unhappiness on anyone else. I remain hopeful everyday. I hope you continue to choose happiness everyday also and ignore those anonymous visitors to your blog.
sandy

[Tonia]

Thanks for sharing this story. You have such a good heart & are an inspiration to so many people.

Stay happy!

God Bless,
Tonia

[Amanda]

Amen, Serena. I agree that there is nothing greater in the day than to search out happiness in the form of creativity, those we love, and the beauty of the world around us.
It brings me joy to hear about your happiness. It is inspiring to know that people recognize the good in their lives and can help others see where that happiness is in their own. If we cannot celebrate the happiness of other people then we have truly become small ourselves.

Thank you for the spot of sunshine that you put in my morning ritual!

[Ruthann Winans]

What a beautiful post Serena! You are a HaPpY BlEsSiNg to all of us! I love that you are joyful and thankful about the sweet and good things in life. Being thankful is the very best way to be...it honors God, and above all He should be honored for He is our Almighty, gracious, loving and merciful Lord. You are a miracle, God spared your life for a reason and a purpose so keep being the wonderful, happy, delightful, adorable, sparkly, sweet-as-a-cupcake girl that you are!
Bless you Sugar!

Ruthann---Sugar Pie Farmhouse

[Megan]

What a great post - a gentle reminder to be thankful.

I honestly don't know why people need to be sour or negative - regardless of what is going on in their lives. It is a lot easier to be happy and content and enjoy life - especially its simple pleasures (carrots & cupcakes).

How does that old saying go?: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". (I see someone else posted this too - definitely words to repeat daily !)

[kim]

Your happiness is what brings me here too. Even though it can be hard I try to find " happy" every day. It can get lost some times but I always find it again or maybe it finds me.
I have seen the very positive results in doing good and feeling good. It is very rewarding and truly makes me happy.
You were given the chance to live for a reason so thats what you should do. Do it happy and thankful. Gratitude is awesome too! Life is awesome. Keep smiling!
Big hugs~ Kim

[Katie Kobelinski]

Serena,

I think it takes a very brave woman to share such a personal story with all of us. I, like so many others, am so touched by your honesty and inspired by your happiness.
I went through a very similar time in my life. I had several surgeries growing up and one very serious complication that almost took my life. Hearing about your difficult time, and then transition to happiness is so near and dear to me.
Thank you for sharing your story.

Katie

P.S. I made your apple butter this weekend, amazing! I cannot get enough of it. Love it. Thank you!

[Anne Marie]

i follow your blog...and am amazed at your entrepreneur abilities with children (you are quite the inspiration to me) however, this post is so well written Serena...so true to what i believe as well...

i'm sorry to hear you had to go through so much pain and fear - but what a blessing you got through it! and have learned how to embrace your joys...your blessings...definitely a divine inspiration.
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie

[Jennifer]

Thank you for sharing not only your personal story but spreading your HAPPINESS as well...If a certain someone can not find joy in the small things life has to offer... then they are not really living at all! Your happiness is headed in the right direction..carry on full speed ahead ;-)

[Robin]

Thank you for sending your happiness through your blog. I am always trying to "find good in every day" hence the name of my blog. It is tough to do every single day, but by starting my blog, I force myself to look at life differently and write about it. It might be as little as carrots (you) or just a conversation with my daughter (me). But finding the good in every day is how we can get through each day or at least fall asleep with a smile on our faces.

[Amanda M]

Your blog is so inspiring and wonderful. I loved the carrots post. I could almost taste them. Don't let it get to you. You have had ahard time lately and have held your head up high and persevered. Thank you for being you !!

[Ruhammie]

Amen! I live my life pretty close to the way you do and I am so happy and feel so blessed to have so many good days in life and to be surrounded by the ones I love. Your blog is very inspiring and especially uplifting. Thank you for adding a little more positive energy into our everyday lives.

[nora]

Honestly I wish the whole country could read your post today. All the whining and complaining going on these days... it is exhausting! How about everyone just laying down your burdens for a day, an hour or a minute and just breath in the sweetness of life.
By the way, those Siemers Carrots ARE happiness in a bag, I've tried them I know!

[marci]

i have to admit...sometimes your cheerfulness makes me feel like a schmuck!! but it always encourages me to try and find the happy in everything. you are inspiring as a woman and a business gal.

i'm glad that you came out on top of that situation and found your joy in life...we'd all be lesser women if you hadn't.;D

[Kelly Wenhold]

Anonymous needs to forgive and move on to try to find happiness in their life.

[Bonnie]

WOW.... great post! There are "joy suckers" in the world that are so depressed and want everyone else to be also. So sad. Last night ran into a lady I know who just lost her 40 something husband a few months ago. I was so blessed to hear her talk about the 'wonderful' years they had together. She said, 'life is good, and I will find joy even in hard times'. I'm so grateful for happy women, that look at carrots as a blessing!

[Marla Hacklander]

The JOY is knowing you were brought through this ordeal. You are Stronger, More Compassionate, and Grateful.
The SORROW is for the person that found it necessary to post to a public forum that someone else's happiness made them sick. It makes me wonder how alone, sad, and spiritually empty this person must be.
Stay true to yourself,your family, and your readers. Your blog is a bridge to some of the most creative women on the planet and I enjoy the time I spend reading!

Keep up the Good Job!

[Cheryl]

Serena I just want to say that ever since i discovered your books and your web page you have been an absolutely inspiring person to me and when i read your post this morning it made me smile because we should all take stock in what is important in life and surround ourselves with the people we love and who make us feel good. You have inspired me in so many ways. I have decided to go forward with my dream of owning my own business even if it is just a little something everyday towards making that dream come true. That is what i will do. You are a truly inspirational person!! Thank you!!!

[Shelly Reil]

The man I love works in drilling. He complained to me that they had a huge blowout and he was soaked in mud all day. I proceeded to tell him that women go to spas and spend hundreds of dollars to have mud baths, and here he was getting paid to take one! I asked if he hated me yet, and he laughed and said, "no, I love you more." It does pay to look on the bright side!

[stephanie]

Sometimes the only thing that makes me smile is the cold side of the pillow, as I've cried into the other side too much. However, Im always thankful to have that pillow to cry into. Somedays are harder than others to be sunny. Finding some good to do or be is the answer...thank you for sharing your story with us. Life is a mystery

[Mandie]

Serena,
I have been following your blog for quite some time now and I love everything about it. I bought your book that you wrote with your friend and have asked for your Christmas book for... Christmas, LOL. Your happiness and cheery attitude are what bring people back to your lovely blog. I will say prayers for the anonymous person. I am thinking they are very sad inside and need our thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and your family.

[Heidi]

Good for you! What a great attitude! I love that you found a way to become more thankful for your happiness and joy, rather than letting someone else try to take that from you with their negativity. Keep up the great work... we like to share your joy! ; )

[linda/lulu]

Serena,

Thank-you, you are the real deal.

[Vicki]

Attitude of Gratitude!

Living it!

[Linda]

Whenever I get down, I remember that things could be so much worse. I don't live in a dark and dreary part of the world, carrying water for 20 miles, experiencing hunger, etc. I am very thankful the Lord has blessed me in so many ways. I love your cheerful website. just looking at all the bright colors keeps a smile on my face. The words are like frosting on the cake!

[Heidi Woodruff]

Beautiful said...thank you. I *love* to get up every morning! First thing I do is spend time with my Heavenly Father---puts the entire day in prospective. Happiness is one thing, and a very good thing; the joy I have in my heart is what gives me peace.

Hugs, and I'm sorry someone would even write such a thing to you, a sweet, sweet lady! ~Heidi

[Kate Taylor]

Thank you for the reminder that behind every happy outlook is alot of pain and work that was needed to get that way. Life beats us all up and its a daily (sometimes minute by minute) choice to focus on the positive and find joy in things around us. Our society doesnt help with so much compairsons and the message if your not rich and have xy&z you are a looser. You are blessed but its not like it just got handed to you without you doing the work to get there. Youre a great insparation and example, dont let the envy of others get you down.
PS: I love carrots too!
Kate
www.butterhilldreaming.blogspot.com

[Rose]

I found such joy in buying an I-Pass...the day before, a doctor looked me in the eye and said I DID NOT have cancer...now I find joy in most things! Thanks for reminding me to look for it today!

[Amy]

Your happiness is inspiring. It makes ME happy!

[Krista]

This is a great blog post. Thank you for sharing. I'm sorry that those who are cowardly and only post under "anonymous", are so hateful. You clearly have created happiness in your life and good for you.

[the domestic fringe]

What a great post! I needed to read it today. Thank you for sharing your story.
-FringeGirl

[Jeni Carlson]

What a truly beautiful and heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. I met you at Farm Chicks where me and my Mom had so much fun and plan to go again.

Wishing you continued happiness and love. Your positive sweet attitude was meant to still be here. Love to you.