I love the beach and the sea. They soothe, energize and amaze me. Watching the water move in and out is the perfect analogy of the flow of life. Examining the beach makes me think about happiness.
A beach is made of millions of individual grain. Together, they make the beach. A blanket where my feet can sink in, a molding entity that kids use to create.
Happiness for me is made of moments. Individually, they can seem meaningless, but put together they create the canvas of our lives.
I recently had a conversation about that with someone who told me : you look like the type of person for whom it’s easy to be happy. My answer was yes!!
Why?
First of all, I’m healthy. I don’t take it for granted because for a long period in my twenties I wasn’t. I had all sort of physical symptoms that made my daily routine quite unpleasant. Since then, I deeply appreciate my healthy body and I’m grateful for it!
Second, I live in a country where, even though it’s not perfect, human and women’s rights are respected. I won’t get into world’s politics but we don’t have to go very far south to notice that women’s right are dismissed. My recent travel to Egypt also brought a renewed awareness about that issue. I feel lucky to be able to have my business, to walk in the streets and express myself the same way men do.
Third, I am privileged in a privileged country. I was lucky to be born here in Canada. I’ve had access to good food, water and education without the worries of famine and wars. My life wasn’t perfect but all these little stress-free moments of joy accumulated to create my beach of happiness.
Of course, I’ve also helped create that beach for myself. By taking care of myself inside and out, by cultivating long lasting friendships, by organizing gathering with family and dear ones, by leaving loved ones behind when we were depleting each other instead of nourishing, by dreaming and having the courage to follow them.
We often feel that little actions might not have an impact in our life or those of others. I disagree.
Each little grain of sand has purpose. Each action, done with the intention of love and care, can amount to a lot. Be that grain of sand in the life of others. Learn to acknowledge and love each one that also comes your way. We have the power to create beautiful, soothing, energizing and amazing things. Let’s come together!