Goals and Happiness

 Memorial Day is set aside for us to remember those who served, who fought for our freedoms, who fought to keep us safe, and for those who still fight for those same things. 

But there are also other things to remember as well.  For me, as I get older, I tend to spend time reminiscing about the things that brought me happiness through the years.  My granddaughter's graduation reminded me of my own, of all the hopes and dreams a young person of 18 has for their adult life.  

As you look back, do you feel you accomplished all you dreamed of??  I know that my own aspirations were loftier than what has been the reality.  But that hasn't made me any less happy.  Life will always be full of challenges and changes.  It's how we react to those things that makes us who we are, and ultimately brings us the happiness we seek.  

I've met people who have happiness as an end goal:  as soon as I get this job, I'll be happy.  As soon as I get married or have a family, I'll be happy.  As soon as I'm out of debt, I'll be happy.  The 'trick' to finding that happiness doesn't come when we reach a goal.  It's the little things in our daily lives.  They happen every day, and you must pay attention to those little things to experience that happiness.  

Yesterday on the way to work, I saw an old GMC pickup from the 30's or 40's; the paint was a bit rusty, it wasn't all decked out to look new. It showed it's age and it brought a huge smile to my face.  (I enjoy looking at old cars!)  Two days ago, on my drive home from work, I saw a man riding a horse down the street (on the sidewalk) and that made me smile as well.  If I had been concentrating on my job goals, or my life goals, I might have missed those little moments of joy.  Don't let the big things get in the way of little moments of happiness!

                                                 

Graduations

 It's the end of May, and the end of the school year for many parts of our state.  My granddaughter is graduating from Tucson High tonight, and with the pandemic, I can't be there.  But they're streaming live on-line so I'm tuned in and ready to watch.   But it got me to thinking about my own graduation in 1977.  (Wow!  MANY years ago!!)  

Growing up in California, most of our events were held outdoors.  My own graduation was held on the football field, with just over 400 students.  The girls wore gold gowns, the boys wore dark green - school colors, of course.  We all filed onto the field and took our seats.  I don't even remember who spoke, or what they had to say to us.  For me personally, I was very nervous, hated being in front of the crowd of people - family and friends.  What a relief when it was over!  But so there weren't any mistakes, we were handed a blank folder when our name was called and after the ceremony, we had to collect our real diploma in the gym.  By the time I came out, I looked all around and couldn't see my family, or my boyfriend.  I waited and walked to the front of the school and waited some more.  After a time, I decided wth and started walking home.  I'd gotten about halfway when one of my neighbors spotted me and offered a ride.  When I got home, my family was there, and so was my boyfriend.  Turns out they each thought the other was giving me a ride home!!  lol   

And to this day, I never miss a chance to remind my family how they all "forgot about me" hahaha

I remember when my own two kids graduated, the ceremony was held at Miami U in Oxford.  Again, remembering the speeches doesn't even register, although the message in all of them is directed at young people about to embark on the adult portion of their lives.  But I still remember the feeling of pride, the joy in the accomplishments of my children.  

And that's how I"m feeling today -- so proud of my granddaughter and all she's accomplished! Both my daughter and granddaughter are testaments to how much can be achieved and overcome.  They are hearing impaired and yet they continue to function in a hearing world.  I couldn't be more thrilled with who they are, and all they do!