Happiness

🦎 Squirrels Don’t Dream of Retirement—So Why Do We?

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Somewhere out there, a lizard’s living its best life while a guy I know is still waiting for Friday.

Do squirrels ever get bored collecting acorns?

Does a lizard zone out while waiting for a bug to fly into striking range?

Every day, without fail, the squirrel shows up under my oak tree, and the lizard sprints by like he’s on a mission from nature. No complaints, no sighs, no dragging their tails or twitching their ears in protest. Just another day in the wild—and they seem totally cool with it.

Meanwhile, I know a guy who’s been at the same job for twenty years.

He hates it.

He’s smart—has a master’s degree—but you’d think his foot’s super-glued to the floor. His only motivation? Retire and finally live the good life.

But here’s the thing:

The squirrels and the lizards? They’re already living it. They show up. They do their thing. They seem satisfied.

(I admit, I haven’t seen official research on squirrel or lizard happiness, but I trust their vibe.)

So it got me wondering—what if the “good life” isn’t something you earn after decades of dragging yourself through days you dislike?

What if it’s available right now, in the rhythm of small joys and simple routines?

Today, I’m taking notes from the squirrel.

And the lizard.

They’re not waiting to retire to enjoy their lives—

Why should we?

Healthy Tips: People in Healthy Relationships Give Each Other Room to Breathe

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People in healthy relationships maintain individual friendships and interests Doing things separately keeps the relationship energized. Alone time or friend time is not a threat—it’s a refresh. When trust is high, it’s a positive not a negative.

Example: Carlos hikes with his buddies on weekends. His spouse enjoys book club nights. They reconnect afterward with stories to share.

Note: A big part of this is that folks in healthy relationships reconnect afterward and share stories.

Today’s Quote: Why Not You?

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“I like it when somebody gets excited about something. It’s nice.” ― J.D. Salinger

Note: What will fire you up today? Grab hold of it and don’t let go.

Healthy Tips: Appreciation is Sunshine for the Soul

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People in healthy relationships say, “Thank You” frequently and Mean It

Appreciation is like sunshine for the soul. In strong relationships, people express gratitude often and sincerely.

Practical Example:

“Thanks for making dinner tonight. I really appreciate how you always take care of us after a long day.”

A little thank you can create a ripple of connection.

This is the fifth tip on healthy communications. Here is a final thought: We don’t have to be perfect communicators—we just need to be intentional. These small moments of kindness, honesty, and respect build the foundation for relationships that last.

Today’s Quote: What Are You Waiting For, An Invitation?

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“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
― Dr. Seuss

Spring Night ~ A Poem by Sara Teasdale

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Spring Night

Sara Teasdale

The park is filled with night and fog, 
   The veils are drawn about the world, 
 The drowsy lights along the paths 
   Are dim and pearled.

Gold and gleaming the empty streets, 
   Gold and gleaming the misty lake, 
The mirrored lights light sunken swords, 
   Glimmer and shake.

Oh, is it not enough to be 
Here with this beauty over me?
My throat should ache with praise, and I 
Should kneel in joy beneath the sky. 
Oh, beauty, are you not enough?

Why am I crying after love 
With youth, a singing voice and eyes
To take earth’s wonder with surprise?
Why have I put off my pride, 
Why am I unsatisfied, 

I for whom the pensive night
Binds her cloudy hair with light,
I for whom all beauty burns 
Like incense in a million urns? 
Oh, beauty, are you not enough? 
Why am I crying after love?

Why Would You Want to be Unhappy?

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I don’t why you might want to do it, but here’s a helping hand if you want to be unhappy, try to control someone else. Try to make them do what you want them to do or to see things the way you see them. That is a sure recipe to end in unhappiness. What’s the antidote? Focus on yourself. Keep your own counsel. Be ready to help when asked. Sometimes, when you feel the urge to butt in, the best choice may be is to sit on the sidelines and watch the drama play out. You may not like the way the drama is playing out, but it has a life cycle and must run its course. So much of our daily happiness has its genesis within our being and how we choose to respond or non respond to external stimuli.

Don’t Be Afraid to Love

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One of the biggest fears many people have is that of loving someone. When we love someone we are giving them a precious gift, ourselves. We are also making ourselves vulnerable. When we lose that love viz a vie rejection, breakup, death, move, or something similar, we have a tendency to build walls around ourselves to protect ourselves from being hurt. My take is that the rewards of loving and being love far outweigh the personal hurt we feel if we lose that love. Love is a mighty health tonic and vital for our well for our emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. Don’t fear love. Embrace it. Allow yourselves to be open to it.

Searching for Happiness

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We can run or run toward but we can’t stay in the same place. Lots of folks try to stay in the same place, it doesn’t work because everyone’s life is in a constant state of change. We are changing physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our context is in a constant state of change. As our context changes it requires us to adapt to it and change. When we fail to adapt, we may get frustrated, angry, or depressed. Our context doesn’t care how we feel. If we want a shot at being happy, we have to change or adapt. It is the way is. Those who figure it out, are much happier than those who don’t.

We All Need Springtime

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I really love spring. In South Texas, the springtime is long and beautiful. We all need springtime in our lives. Bringing springtime in our lives gives us a zest for living. It lets us know that we still have miles or kilometers to travel and that our best days are in front of us. And, it tells us that life wins, it always wins. We can make each day of our lives a new springtime when we look forward to what can be and turn from what was. Life is lived in front of us. I love springtime and plan to keep springtime alive within me. Do the same.

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