Happy? Happy!

Driving to work this morning, with my radio on, but barely listening, I heard a voice in my head say, “I’m happy.” .. I was taken aback a bit, and then I realized that yes, I was. Not deliriously happy, but content. So later on I decided that I would write down what it was in my life that made me happy… So here it is, in no particular order:

- Driving… no, not the actual "road warrior" mode wherein I’m stuck in traffic and maneuvering my way thru the busy streets of Manila, but the skill of driving. I can go where I want, and when I want to, and not be at the mercy of public transportation. Yes, driving IS empowering.

- My kids – and knowing that I can provide for them, and give them what they need, not necessarily what they want, but then again, they’re a lot luckier compared to most other kids we know.

- Which brings me to this… I’m happy that we can afford to give. I’m not just talking about organized charities (Unicef, World Vision, Goodwill, GMA Foundation, to name a few…) but being able to share with our maid and her family, our laundry woman, the “tinapa” lady, my parents’ security guard/janitor/bagger/messenger friends. Yes, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

- My job. My friends reading this would probably say, “Finally!”. One friend even commented that she’s known me only 2 or 3 years, but have seen me go through 4 jobs. Hahaha! What can I say? Loyalty is over-rated, but this applies specifically in the realm of the corporate world. Besides, I’m a single mom, my kids and I can’t live on a measly paycheck. The longest I stayed with a company was 7 years! But after that, all my stints were two years or less. Whenever a better offer came along, go! Ok, enough justifying. Going back, my job makes me happy, period. Added bonus is that it’s the primary reason I can afford to do the items listed above.

Yes, there are many things to be happy about. Thank GOD. :)

"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values". - Ayn Rand