Happiness
Happiness isn't a feeling
we should wait for,
in fact,
shouldn't be a goal
nor a mood we slip on.
Not something to get right,
like a mathematical equation
nor something captured.
It's an awareness
of the gifts we have to give,
the pressing close -
a guarding even,
of our true character
yet proudly sharing it,
unapologetic of who we are.
by Margaret Bednar, February 2, 2014
I like to think one of my greatest accomplishments is raising happy children. I have been fortunate to have a few mini get aways recently with them and I am struck time and again at their good nature, enthusiasm, and generosity. Hanging with them makes ME a better person, as I do not naturally embody those characteristics exactly.
I have been introduced to Anais Nin (1903 - 1977) - She is known for her erotica, but from what I can understand through research, she did that for a desperate need of money. I perused her quotes HERE and I find them fascinating. She wrote diaries - "The Journals of Anais Nin" and I think her quotes might be taken from this. My poem is loosely based upon my impressions after reading many of her quotes.
This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Birthdays in February - Ayn Rand, Alic Walker, Anais Nin" We were to focus on the idea of "Individualism".
16 comments:
Such a blessed and precious time to be with your children ~ And that is a great accomplishment, raising happy children ~ Lovely pictures as well ~
the pressing close -
a guarding even,
of our true character
yet proudly sharing it,
unapologetic of who we are.
LOVE this and all!!
Powerful sentiment, Margaret!!
really great, margaret.
Wow!! what an accomplishment; i'd like to say; i join you in that feat
Have a nice Sunday
much love...
I feel the same way around my son Joe. I feel like my best self.
So beautiful Margaret..My girls have had life hit them hard, but they have risen above it to become strong women. "It's an awareness
of the gifts we have to give,
the pressing close -" Love this
Spectacular photos and a wonderful poem. Love your notes - raising happy children is a marvelous accomplishment.
if only happiness were as easy as an equation you know...i think a lot of times we get in the way of our happiness....it is def an awareness...and i like the being yourself unabashed...
I love that "raising happy children"...it is indeed, as Sherry said, a marvellous accomplishment. Kudos to you for that, and for looking past Nin's reputation for erotica and seeing her for the self she portrayed in her diaries.
K
You have another characteristic of happiness- gratitude. Raising happy children is gold. Nicely done.
These words are beautiful, Margaret, and so true.
Like you, there are times when I just sit back and watch my kids, and feel so grateful for who they are as people. It's a pretty good feeling, to say the least.
I hope you had a great weekend, and I wish you a beautiful week ahead.
I couldn't agree with you more, Margaret. This is lovely.
This is great. Happiness is what happens when I stop trying to be happy. Also I'm sure my kids (three girls) showed me what true happiness and love is.
The utter joy you feel when writing about your children ... the way you approach life is contagious, Margaret.
The pursuit of individual happiness is not as easy as one may think - I think it is an admirable and necessary ambition.
I think you probably need to write a book about your family one day, Margaret, if you ever have time...because my own impression is that it's quite exemplary. I'm sure you would have your own wonderful quotes!!!
Post a Comment