Happiness

Francois Lelord, in his allegorical novel Hector and the Search For Happiness, creates a list. He writes, "Lesson no. 6: Happiness is a long walk in beautiful, unfamiliar mountains." (47)

For me, happiness is the simple, humble ability to take any kind of walk, especially in the ordinary, familiar natural world. No need for unfamiliar, no need for mountains, even no need for what is commonly identified as beautiful. Any old day that I can get up and walk in the fresh air automatically qualifies. Like today, for example.

We have crocus blooming, and daffies are poking green shoots through rich brown earthy places. Ferns are greening in the woods. There is an early scrim of color at the tips of the trees.