On Happiness

I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness and being happy lately.

What does that really mean?

Is it when you’re walking down the hallways at work that your footsteps feel lighter?  Is it when you’re running and the perfect song comes on and the words are meaningful and completely relevant?  Is it when everything seems just right and the universe conspires to bring about a virtuous circle of good things.

Maybe.  I think so.

I’ve signed up for two big relay at the end of April and early May in Northern and Southern California as well as the Dublin Marathon in October.  In summer, we’ll do some to be determined big mountains probably somewhere in the world.  And the training for Everest will start to get really intense as the year goes on and spring of next year gets closer for the big assault.

Last night we talked about what’s next after Everest and I’ve thought a lot about that.  As I get through The Alchemist, I’ve given some time to think about what it’s like to take chances in our life, to fail and to succeed, to learn from others, move on, and find what the heart needs and wants.

I think about friends, family and people we love and the roles they play as we work to accomplish our life goals despite the challenges that life puts to us each and every day.  We talk about why we run, why we climb and why we live.

They are all inter-connected.

It’s that perfect moment about being in the moment.  The present.  And not knowing about what tomorrow might bring.  And acceptance.  Accepting the past and anticipating the future.  With respect and admiration.

So what does this have to do with happiness, running and climbing?

There’s an old saying that “life happens while we are busy making other plans”.  As we get older and our cumulative experiences mold who we are and why we live each day on this planet, it becomes more apparent that staying true to oneself and being genuine and authentic is more and more apparent.

Running and Climbing is a means to an end.  The journey is more important than the arrival or the finish line.  I’m increasingly optimistic as every day goes by, that people we love make all the difference and we are never alone, we’re all roped up, both literally and figuratively and that the finish line or summit is just another milestone along the way.

Run.  Climb. Enjoy every moment. Not only is it what it is, but it is what is was and will be.  The perfect moment of being, thinking, talking, being alive and thankful for being alive in the world of such people that they inspire you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Thank y0u for so far.  There is so much left to achieve and to live.  Life is what happens while we are Running and Climbing.